IITC IPY Data Descriptions
University of Wales Aberystwyth
This page provides information pertaining to the UK tomography chain operated by the University of Wales Aberystwyth (UWA) in northern Scandinavia.
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Dr. Eleri Pryse
sep@aber.ac.uk
+44 (0)1970 622801
Dr. Helen R Middleton (for data issues)
hrm@aber.ac.uk
+44 (0)1970 622821
Institute of Mathematical and Physical Sciences
University of Wales Aberystwyth
Penglais
Aberystwyth
Ceredigion, SY23 3BZ, UK
Total electron content (TEC) measurements are made by monitoring phase coherent transmissions from polar orbiting satellites at a chain of radio receivers aligned essentially in longitude but separated in latitude. The locations of the receivers are:
- Ny-Ålesund (78.91°N, 11.94°E)
- Longyearbyen (78.22°N, 15.83°E)
- Bjørnøya (74.52°N, 19.05°E)
- Tromsø (69.58°N, 19.22°E)
Inversion of the TEC yields two-dimensional, latitude-versus-height tomographic images of electron density in the longitude sector of the receivers. With all sites monitoring a satellite pass, the latitudinal span of the images is ~65-83°N. This is reduced if a satellite pass is not monitored at all sites.
Data coverage: Radio transmissions are monitored as a satellite traverses above the horizon. The duration of a satellite pass is ~15-20 mins. Passes are monitored routinely throughout the day, but the data coverage is not continuous.
Center Longitude: 15.8°E
Coverage: Northern Scandinavia.
NOTE: Coverage varies due to varying satellite viewing geometry.
Date of last update: 05 December 2006
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