New Results on Ionospheric Irregularity Drift Velocity Estimation Using Multi-GNSS Spaced-Receiver Array During High-Latitude Phase Scintillation

摘要

The spaced-receiver technique using Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers offers an inexpensive approach for estimating ionospheric irregularity velocity during ionospheric scintillations. Our previous work has demonstrated that correlative studies of the GNSS carrier phase variations can be used to derive irregularity drift velocity at high latitudes. This study expanded upon our previous projects by incorporating Global Navigation Satellite System (GLONASS) signals, investigation on ionospheric irregularity height assumption, and all-sky imager measurements into the methodology. A case study is presented based on Global Positioning System, Galileo, and GLONASS measurements during a geomagnetic storm event on 20 December 2015, obtained from a closely spaced receiver array at Poker Flat Research Range near Fairbanks, Alaska. The GNSS-estimated irregularity drift velocities are in general agreement with the measurements from the Poker Flat Incoherent Scatter Radar and the Poker Flat all-sky imager. The study also shows that the irregularity altitude assumption will not lead to significant variations in the irregularity drift velocity estimates, especially for satellites with relatively high elevations. The techniques presented in this paper demonstrate that GNSS receiver arrays can be used as powerful means to monitor the ionospheric plasma dynamics during space weather events.