Tomographic techniques, applied to ionospheric imaging, have provided many simulation studies to learn the nature of artifacts when reconstructions are based on imperfect data. Scientists have also developed techniques to use subsidiary ionospheric information to increase the accuracy of reconstructions. Finally, validation measurements have enhanced confidence in these tomographic techniques. These data, though, have been obtained mainly in campaign mode; hence, they aren't suitable for long-term behavior studies, needed to improve understanding of ionospheric weather. One chain, known as the Low-latitude Ionospheric Tomography Network (LITN), covers the whole northern equatorial anomaly region. The PI now gleans a set of LITN data, showing prominently the equatorial anomaly. This feature, changing day by day, moves to a lower geomagnetic latitude with altitude, demonstrating typical equatorial ionospheric weather. The anomaly is tied intimately to the dynamo electric field through a fountain effect, so the PI can also study this phenomenon. In all, mining the LITN database is enhancing understanding of equatorial region ionospheric weather.

Agency
National Science Foundation (NSF)
Institute
Division of Atmospheric and Geospace Sciences (AGS)
Application #
9713435
Program Officer
Sunanda Basu
Project Start
Project End
Budget Start
1998-01-01
Budget End
2001-06-30
Support Year
Fiscal Year
1997
Total Cost
$324,060
Indirect Cost
Name
University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
Department
Type
DUNS #
City
Champaign
State
IL
Country
United States
Zip Code
61820