Ionospheric effects of Geosat altimeter observations

Journal Article · Thu Mar 15 04:00:00 EST 1990 · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JC095iC03p02965· OSTI ID:5110658

Musman, S; Drew, A; Douglas, B ^[1]

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1. NOAA, Rockville, MD (United States)

The presence of free electrons and ions modifies the propagation speed of electromagnetic waves. Thus the apparent sea height measured by a radar altimeter such as that on board Geosat is influenced by passage through the ionosphere. The authors explore ionospheric effects using several methods. A model ionosphere for Westford, Massachusetts, is constructed from two frequency observations of Global Positioning System satellites. This model is compared with a theoretical calculation, Faraday rotation observations, and the ionospheric correction furnished with the Great geophysical data records. They discuss the influence of the solar cycle, which is important at the moment as a particularly active maximum is approached. Some general remarks on the ionospheric influence on the oceanographic signal observed by a satellite altimeter are also included.

• OSTI ID: 5110658
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States) Vol. 95:C3; ISSN 0148-0227; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

54 ENVIRONMENTAL SCIENCES
540110*
ALTIMETERS
CHARGED PARTICLES
DEVELOPED COUNTRIES
DISTANCE
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
ELECTRONS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
FEDERAL REGION I
FERMIONS
IONOSPHERIC EFFECTS
IONS
LEPTONS
MASSACHUSETTS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NORTH AMERICA
OPTICAL RADAR
PERFORMANCE
RADAR
RADIATIONS
RANGE FINDERS
SATELLITES
SEAS
SOLAR CYCLE
SURFACE WATERS
SURFACES
USA
WAVE PROPAGATION