Studies of the generation and dynamics of polar cap ionization structures using Expanded Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (ECHAIN) and satellite measurements

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Canada, as an Arctic nation and a society heavily dependent on modern technology, presents us with many challenges from scientific and economic points of view. In the modern technologically dependent society, one of the most important tools for economic development and safety and security of citizens is reliable communication and navigation systems. Satellite-based communication systems do not constitute an optimum solution and navigation systems are not always reliable because of the geographical location of the Arctic. Recent emphasis on the development of the Arctic has triggered a renewed interest in use of High Frequency (HF, 3-30 MHz) radio waves for communication and development of accurate and reliable navigation products. However, long range HF radio communication relies on the ionosphere to reflect HF radio waves back towards Earth. Performance and accuracy of satellite-based navigation systems also depends on ionospheric variations and structures. Therefore, knowledge of the state of the ionosphere and understanding its properties becomes critical when planning and setting up long range HF radio communication links and navigation systems. Temporal and spatial variations of the Arctic ionosphere, caused by its direct interaction with the solar wind and magnetosphere ("space weather"), further complicates any attempt to plan HF communication and navigation systems in this remote region of Earth. Therefore, improving our knowledge of the Arctic ionosphere is crucial also for the successful operation of these systems. Through this proposal we seek to understand the generation and dynamics of polar cap ionization structures of varying scale sizes (both temporal and spatial) using Expanded Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (ECHAIN) and satellite measurements. This understanding will help to model/mitigate ionospheric effects on these systems and enable development of new HF communication and navigation protocols for the Arctic.