Multiple Characteristics of Ionospheric Variability Patterns

Various observational tools are available for the study of F-layer irregularities in the equatorial region. These include optical observations of the depletion of electron density (groundbased and spacebased), GPS phase fluctuations, DMSP and ROCSAT in situ observations of ion density depletions, radar observations of coherent backscatter from equatorial irregularities, and ionospheric soundings. Each makes contributions to observational studies and each has its limitations. Our long term goal, using a full set of these measurements, is to study the physics of the equatorial regions, particularly during periods of irregularity development. Subsequent coupling of high latitude observations and equatorial observations will lead to forecasting where and when intense irregularities occur in various world areas and how they affect transmissions from satellites.