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Ray‐tracing simulation of ionization trough effects upon radio waves
Author(s) -
Helms Ward J.,
Thompson Allan D.
Publication year - 1973
Publication title -
radio science
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.371
H-Index - 84
eISSN - 1944-799X
pISSN - 0048-6604
DOI - 10.1029/rs008i012p01125
Subject(s) - ionosphere , ray tracing (physics) , trough (economics) , depth sounding , transmitter , doppler effect , computational physics , physics , radio wave , geology , ionization , electromagnetic radiation , electron density , optics , geophysics , electron , computer science , telecommunications , astronomy , ion , channel (broadcasting) , oceanography , quantum mechanics , economics , macroeconomics
The propagation of high frequency electromagnetic waves through an ionosphere perturbed by a gaussian electron density trough is investigated using a three‐dimensional ray‐tracing computer program. Ray trajectories are presented for a normalized model ionosphere with troughs of varying width, depth, and distance from the transmitter. Focussing and defocussing effects are demonstrated to occur under special circumstances. Particular emphasis is placed upon simulation of records from fixed‐ and swept‐frequency sounding equipment. In particular, a moving trough is found to have unique Doppler signature which may be useful for ground‐based observational work.