Incoherent Scatter Radar Measurements as a Calibration Tool for Ionospheric Models
Behlke, R; La Hoz, C.
University of Tromsoe

Disturbances in the Earth's ionosphere introduce a variaty of errors into transionospheric radio signals. This has importance for Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), remote sensing systems such as Synthetic Aperture Radar (SAR) etc. Ionospheric models can correct for ionospheric errors in a satisfatory way for low- and mid latitudes. However, at high latitudes this is usually not the case, partly due to little input from high-latitudes measurements into these models, partly to the highly dynamic morphology of the high-latitude ionosphere. Amongst other instruments, incoherent scatter radars can be used to deduce the electron content in the ionosphere which can be compared with ionospheric models and other means of retrieving the Total Electron Content (TEC) such as tomopgraphy or GPS receivers. The International Polar Year (IPY) provides unique possibilites for these comparison, e.g., the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radar on Svalbard (ESR) will run continously during the two years of the IPY. This study presents the first preliminary results of this long-term ESR run and comparisons with scintillation, tomography and GPS measurements as well as models. The point out the unique asset that EISCAT can make for the calibration of high-latitude ionospheric models.