Analysis of acoustic-gravity waves in the mesosphere using VLF radio signal measurements

A simple method has been proposed to determine acoustic-gravity wave (AGW) characteristics at lower ionosphere (mesosphere) heights by measuring VLF radio signal amplitudes. For relatively short radio paths (less than 1500 km long) we obtained the simple relations for estimation of AGW neutral density fluctuation and for vertical displacement of an elementary volume of atmospheric gas. The proposed method has been verified by using VLF radio wave amplitude measurements on several radio paths. AGW properties based on these measurements are approximately calculated at heights of radio signal reflection. The relative fluctuation of 3%-6% of neutral particle concentration and elementary volume displacement of 0.6-1.2 km have been obtained. These results are in good agreement with AGW theory in the Earth atmosphere.

Automated summary

A simple method using VLF radio signal amplitudes for determining AGW characteristics in the lower ionosphere has been proposed and verified. AGW properties, including neutral density fluctuation and vertical displacement of atmospheric gas, were successfully estimated for relatively short radio paths. The results are consistent with AGW theory in the Earth atmosphere.