Ionospheric Scintillation Effects on GPS in the Equatorial and Auroral Regions

Abstract

ABSTRACT: Ionospheric scintillation effects on GPS L-band signals and ultimately on satellite navigation are a growing concern. This concern is due primarily to the losses of lock and cycle slips that intense scintillation may cause in GPS receivers. The most extreme scintillation activity is expected to occur near the equatorial and auroral regions. Less intense scintillation may occur at midlatitudes during geomagnetic storms. In this paper, we summarize recent scintillation activity at Ancon, Peru, and Fairbanks, Alaska. We also describe scintillation effects in the midlatitude region during two significantly disturbed periods. The results of this study quantify the frequency and magnitude of L-band scintillation at these locations. They also clarify the effect that scintillation can have on the performance of codeless L2 dual-frequency receivers and ultimately on GPS-based satellite navigation systems, such as the Wide Area Augmentation System (WAAS).