Spectral characteristics of high latitude raw 40 MHz cosmic noise signals

Abstract

Abstract. Cosmic noise at 40 MHz is measured at Ny-Ålesund (79° N, 12° E) using a relative ionospheric opacity meter ("riometer"). A riometer is normally used to determine the degree to which cosmic noise is absorbed by the intervening ionosphere, giving an indication of ionization of the atmosphere at altitudes lower than generally monitored by other instruments. The usual course is to determine a "quiet-day" variation, this representing the galactic noise signal itself in the absence of absorption; the current signal is then subtracted from this to arrive at absorption expressed in dB. By a variety of means and assumptions, it is thereafter possible to estimate electron density profiles in the very lowest reaches of the ionosphere. Here however, the entire signal, i.e. including the cosmic noise itself will be examined and spectral characteristics identified. It will be seen that distinct spectral subranges are evident which can, in turn be identified with non-Gaussian processes characterized by generalized Hurst exponents, α. Considering all periods greater than 1 h, α ≈ 1.24 – an indication of fractional Brownian motion, whereas for periods greater than 1 day α ≈ 0.9 – approximately pink noise and just in the domain of fractional Gaussian noise. The results are compared with other physical processes suggesting that absorption of cosmic noise is characterized by a generalized Hurst exponent ≈ 1.24 and thus non-persistent fractional Brownian motion, whereas generation of cosmic noise is characterized by a generalized Hurst exponent ≈ 1.