Accession Number:

ADA516063

Title:

Improved Modeling of Midlatitude D-Region Ionospheric Absorption of High Frequency Radio Signals During Solar X-Ray Flares

Descriptive Note:

Doctoral Dissertation

Corporate Author:

AIR FORCE INST OF TECH WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB OH SCHOOL OF ENGINEERING AND MANAGEMENT

Personal Author(s):

• Schumer, Evelyn A.

Report Date:

2009-06-01

Pagination or Media Count:

253.0

Abstract:

The purpose of this research was to improve modeling of midlatitude D-region ionospheric absorption of high frequency radio signals during solar X-ray flares through analysis of HF propagation data obtained during the HF Investigation of D-region Ionospheric Variation Experiment HIDIVE and obtained at the Canadian Space Agency NORSTAR riometer in Pinawa,Manitoba, Canada and X-ray flux data, as reported by GOES satellites. The findings of the data analysis were then used to validate and suggest improvements for two existing HF absorption models, the operational Space Weather Prediction Center SWPC D-region Absorption model and the physical AbbyNormal model. Analysis of the HIDIVE data revealed an absorption dependence on signal frequency and a dependence on solar zenith angle which differ from those used in the SWPC model. Analysis of nitric oxide NO density data obtained with the Student Nitric Oxide Explorer and during the Halogen Occultation Experiment provided improved methods of defining NO profiles within AbbyNormal.

Descriptors:

• *IONOSPHERE
• *RADIO SIGNALS
• *ABSORPTION
• *SOLAR FLARES
• STUDENTS
• FLUX(RATE)
• CANADA
• NITRIC OXIDE
• SIGNALS
• RADIOFREQUENCY
• D REGION
• OCCULTATION
• RIOMETERS
• HIGH FREQUENCY
• DENSITY
• PROPAGATION
• DATA PROCESSING
• X RAYS

Subject Categories:

• Inorganic Chemistry

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE