loading page

First Observations of Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances Using Automated Amateur Radio Receiving Networks
  • +7
  • Nathaniel Anthony Frissell,
  • Stephen Roland Kaeppler,
  • Diego F Sanchez,
  • Gareth William Perry,
  • William Dozier Engelke,
  • Philip J Erickson,
  • Anthea J Coster,
  • John Michael Ruohoniemi,
  • J. B. H. Baker,
  • Mary Lou West
Nathaniel Anthony Frissell
The University of Scranton, The University of Scranton

Corresponding Author:nathaniel.frissell@scranton.edu

Author Profile
Stephen Roland Kaeppler
Clemson University, Clemson University
Author Profile
Diego F Sanchez
New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Author Profile
Gareth William Perry
New Jersey Institute of Technology, New Jersey Institute of Technology
Author Profile
William Dozier Engelke
The University of Alabama, The University of Alabama
Author Profile
Philip J Erickson
Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Author Profile
Anthea J Coster
MIT Haystack Observatory, MIT Haystack Observatory
Author Profile
John Michael Ruohoniemi
Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech
Author Profile
J. B. H. Baker
Virginia Tech, Virginia Tech
Author Profile
Mary Lou West
Montclair State University, Montclair State University
Author Profile

Abstract

Large Scale Traveling Ionospheric Disturbances (LSTIDs) are quasi-periodic variations in ionospheric densities with horizontal wavelengths ~1000 km and periods between 30 to 180 min. On 3 Nov 2017, LSTIDs were detected in Reverse Beacon Network (RBN), Weak Signal Propagation Reporting Network (WSPRNet), and Phase Shift Keying Reporter (PSKReporter) observations for the first time. These observing networks are high frequency (HF, 3-30 MHz) amateur (ham) radio networks that provide data to the Ham Radio Science Citizen Investigation (HamSCI). LSTID signatures were observed simultaneously over the continental United States in amateur radio, SuperDARN HF radar, and GNSS Total Electron Content measurements. The LSTIDs were estimated to have a period of 2.5 hr, propagation azimuth of 163°, horizontal wavelength of ~1680 km, and phase speed of ~1200 km/hr. SuperMAG SME index enhancements and Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar measurements suggest the LSTIDs were driven by auroral electrojet intensifications and Joule heating.
16 Mar 2022Published in Geophysical Research Letters volume 49 issue 5. 10.1029/2022GL097879