| Title | Ionospheric effects on radio communications in the Arctic |
| Author | Danskin, D; Boteler, D H |
| Source | Proceedings of ASTRO2008 harnessing space and address global issues; 2008 p. 1-10 |
| Year | 2008 |
| Alt Series | Earth Sciences Sector, Contribution Series 20100361 |
| Meeting | ASTRO2008; Montreal; CA; April 29 - May 1, 2008 |
| Document | book |
| Lang. | English |
| Media | paper |
| File format | pdf |
| Province | Northwest Territories; Nunavut; Quebec; Yukon |
| NTS | 25; 26; 27; 35; 36; 37; 38; 39; 45; 46; 47; 48; 49; 55; 56; 57; 58; 59; 65; 66; 67; 68; 69; 75; 76; 77; 78; 79; 85; 86; 87; 88; 89; 95; 96; 97; 98; 99; 105; 106; 107; 115; 116; 117; 120; 340; 560 |
| Lat/Long WENS | -141.0000 -54.0000 90.0000 60.0000 |
| Subjects | geophysics; extraterrestrial geology; ionosphere; ionospheric currents; solar energy; solar variations; geomagnetism; geomagnetic variations; geomagnetic fields |
| Illustrations | location maps; plots |
| |
| Program | Targeted Hazard Assessments in Northern Canada, Public Safety Geoscience |
| Abstract | High frequency (HF) radio communications use the ionosphere to send signals great distances around the curvature of the Earth. This type of communication is still used in Polar Regions where
line-of-sight VHF and satellite communications are unavailable. An increase in HF radio use has been prompted by the enhanced number of commercial airplanes flying on trans-polar routes and their need to stay in constant contact with air traffic
control centers. Unfortunately HF radio communications can be affected by space weather disturbances: solar X-ray flares produce shortwave fadeouts on the sunward side of the Earth, energetic protons penetrating into the ionosphere at high latitudes
produce polar cap absorption, and precipitating particles from the magnetosphere entering the ionosphere cause auroral absorption in a ring around each geomagnetic pole. The increased absorption of radio signals can cause a loss of radio
communication for trans-polar flights.
This paper reviews the characteristics of the temporal and spatial extent of the Space Weather disturbances on HF communication. By understanding the effects space weather, services can be put in place
to mitigate the impact on airline operations. The information presented about the regions affected, the frequency dependence of the absorption and the expected timelines of the disturbances, can help reduce the risk to trans-polar flights. |
| GEOSCAN ID | 287409 |
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