Modeling of the equatorial electrojet as a multilayer communication channel and investigation of its effects on EM radio signals

Abstract

Equatorial Electrojet is a narrow current stream flowing to the east during daytime hours in the low-latitude ionospheric E region. This current acts as a channel and can cause distortions in the signals used for passive radar systems. In this study, a channel model for the equatorial electrojet is created and the changes that occur when EM signals pass through this channel are investigated. For this, equatorial electrojet is first modeled as a multilayer channel using Gaussian random processes according to physical properties. A VHE EM radio signal whose characteristics have been specified was then re-examined after it was passed through this channel. Thus, the effects of the equatorial electrojet flow on the ambiguity function performance of the EM radio signals have been revealed.