Chatanika Model of the High-Latitude Ionosphere for Application to HF Propagation Prediction

Abstract

Abstract : Electron density measurements made with the incoherent-scatter radar at Chatanika, Alaska have been used to obtain a synoptic model of the high- latitude ionosphere. This Chatanika model is a modification of the RADC-POLAR model developed by Elkins and coworkers for use in raytracing codes for HF propagation prediction. Because the existing RADC model was derived from a larger and more geographically extensive data base than that used in this study, many of its features have been retained in the new model. The major modification that we made was an improved specification of the auroral E-layer and the altitude interval between the E and F regions. This region sometimes acts as a duct in which HF signals may travel for great distances without traversing the D region, where most absorption occurs.