Differential absorption measurements of mesospheric and lower thermospheric electron densities using the Buckland Park MF radar
Date
2002
Authors
Holdsworth, D.
Vuthaluru, R.
Reid, I.
Vincent, R.
Editors
Advisors
Journal Title
Journal ISSN
Volume Title
Type:
Journal article
Citation
Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, 2002; 64(18):2029-2042
Statement of Responsibility
D. A. Holdsworth, Rupa Vuthaluru, Iain M. Reid and Robert A. Vincent
Conference Name
Abstract
The differential absorption experiment (DAE) was first proposed in the 1950s for the estimation of mesospheric and lower thermospheric electron density using MF/HF radars. The technique was used extensively until the late 1970s, when interest in the technique declined, due to experimental limitations and questions regarding the assumptions of the technique. This paper describes the application of the DAE within the online observations of the Buckland Park MF (BPMF) radar. The experimental limitations of the technique for the BPMF radar are discussed, with particular attention paid to effects of complex gain differences between receiving channels used to decompose the linearly received signals into circular components. Hourly and monthly averaged midday DAE electron densities are presented, revealing good agreement with IRI model estimates. Monthly averaged midnight DAE electron densities are also presented, revealing good qualitative agreement with the IRI model estimates.