A study of equatorial plasma bubble structure using VHF radar and GNSS scintillations over the low-latitude regions

Abstract Ionospheric irregularities can cause detrimental effects on the global navigation satellite system (GNSS) signals, often in form of rapid fluctuations both amplitude and phase. Over low-latitude regions, equatorial plasma bubble (EPB) frequently arises after sunset, leading to GNSS scintillations since signals propagate through ionospheric irregularities. The relationship between (S4 index) EPB characteristics is presented. We investigate geometrical backscatter echoes associated with multi-constellation multi-frequency scintillations, specifically, GPS Galileo constellations L1/E1 L5/E5a signals. By analyzing along signal paths, pierce points (IPPs) are mapped S4 index at different altitudes projected magnetic field line together atmosphere radar (EAR), West Sumatra, Indonesia. Our results obtained for moderate scintillation cases due limited data available this study. show impact scintillations. more susceptible than signal. Moreover, we found a high correlation EAR values an altitude 250 350 km, indicating that occurs bottomside ionosphere.