Date of Award
3-23-2017
Document Type
Thesis
Degree Name
Master of Science in Applied Physics
Department
Department of Engineering Physics
First Advisor
Steven Fiorino, PhD.
Abstract
The development of an accurate ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) model is of critical importance to High Frequency (HF) radio wave propagation. However, the TEC is highly variable and is continuously influenced by geomagnetic storms, extreme Ultraviolet (UV) radiation, diurnal variation, and planetary waves. The ability to capture this variability is essential to improve current TEC models. Analysis of the growing body of data involving ionospheric fluctuations and thermal tides has revealed persistent correlation between increases in stratospheric ozone and variability of the TEC. The spectral properties of ozone show that it is a greenhouse gas that alters longwave emissions from Earth and interacts with the UV spectrum coming from the sun. This study uses the Laser Environment Effects Definition and Reference (LEEDR) to model and simulate the effect of changes in stratospheric ozone on solar backscatter and longwave terrestrial emissions and infer TEC variability.
AFIT Designator
AFIT-ENP-MS-17-M-103
DTIC Accession Number
AD1051604
Recommended Citation
Ross, John S., "Total electron count variability and stratospheric ozone effects on solar backscatter and LWIR emissions" (2017). Theses and Dissertations. 788.
https://scholar.afit.edu/etd/788