Special Session on Lower Atmospheric Forcing of Electrodynamics and the Ionosphere, convened by Dr. Tim Fuller-Rowell (NOAA-SWPC) and Larisa Goncharenko

Special Session on Ionospheric and Space Weather Effects on Telecommunications and Navigation Systems, convened by Dr. Giorgiana De Franceschi (INGV, Rome, Italy) and Dr. Iwona Stanislawska

Special Session on Ionospheric sounder methods and measurements: convened by Prof. Bodo Reinisch, UML

Special Session on Ionospheric irregularities - science and systems, convened by Prof. Paul Cannon, QinetiQ

Special Session: Opinion Forum on Issues Facing Ionospheric & Space Weather Communities, convened by Dr. J.M Goodman, RPSI

Special Session: The Impact of Rocket Exhaust and High Power Radio Waves on the Ionosphere, convened by Dr. Paul Bernhardt, NRL.

Special Session: on C/NOFS, recommended by Dr. David Anderson (University of Colorado): Conveners are: Dr. Keith Groves (AFRL) and Dr. Odile de la Beaujardiere (AFRL)

Special Session on HF Communication and related Systems: Convener: Dr. Leo McNamara (AFRL)

Special Session: Radio Diagnostics of the Ionosphere including Low Frequency Arrays, convened by Dr. Anthea Coster (MIT-Haystack) and Dr. Kenneth Dymond (NRL)

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Description of Special Sessions

Lower Atmospheric Forcing of Electrodynamics and the Ionosphere, convened by Dr. Tim Fuller-Rowell (NOAA-SWPC) and Dr. Larisa Goncharenko

Summary: Recent observations indicate that lower atmosphere events, such as stratospheric warmings, can produce substantial changes in the ionosphere at mid and low latitudes. The physical connection likely follows from the impact of these events on the dynamics and electrodynamics in the dynamo region, which subsequently drive changes in the ionosphere. Papers are encouraged addressing the connections between the lower and atmosphere and ionosphere, and the possible system impacts.

Ionospheric and Space Weather Effects on Telecommunications and Navigation Systems, convened by Dr. Giorgiana De Franceschi (INGV, Rome, Italy) and Dr. Iwona Stanislawska (INGV, Rome, Italy)

Summary: Signal in space of telecommunications and navigation systems is strongly influenced by ionospheric structure and dynamics related to space weather conditions. This impact is critically enhanced during solar maximum conditions (next expected in 2012) and may lead to severe signal degradation and service disruption at frequencies employed by Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS), such as GPS and the European Galileo system. Threats posed by space weather events throughout ionospheric disturbances will affect not only satellite telecommunication and navigation systems, but also HF terrestrial communications and in consequence the operational assets of implementation of Earth Observation Systems. This session will focus on the ionospheric and space weather effects on system operations. The content will include presentations of national/international capabilities to monitor space weather related ionospheric perturbations of various spatial scales (TID`s and steep ionisation gradients) from polar to equatorial regions. Studies and investigations addressed to the modelling, forecasting and/or mitigations of ionospheric phenomena due to space weather events such as ionospheric irregularities and scintillations are also welcome. 

Ionospheric sounder methods and measurements: convened by Prof. Bodo Reinisch, UML

Summary: This topic encompasses all types of sounder systems and related measurement techniques, including legacy systems, advanced digital sounders, single frequency beacons, and wideband probes, deployed either terrestrially and aboard satellites. Of special interest are sounder techniques that can be exploited to derive operationally relevant ionospheric information. Another interest is the comparison of information derived from sounder systems and independent measurement schemes such as:  in-situ probes (rockets and satellites), incoherent scatter techniques, etc.

Ionospheric irregularities - science and systems, convened by Prof. Paul Cannon, QinetiQ

Papers are invited addressing small and medium scale irregularities which affect the operation of ground and space based systems through phase and amplitude perturbations of the signal. The papers may address regional or world-wide models and theory or supporting measurements. Papers which address the ionospheric impact on radio systems and associated mitigation strategies are particularly welcome. These may include ground bases surveillance of space radars and space-based surveillance of the ground radars, satellite altimetry and geolocation systems and of course GPS, Galileo and other GNSS approaches.

Special Session: Opinion Forum on Issues Facing Ionospheric & Space Weather Communities, convened by Dr. J.M Goodman, RPSI

Summary: Papers are invited addressing issues that face planners, engineers, and researchers. Short opinion articles are solicited, especially those that address the fiscal climate, the issues of science recruitment, the issues of relevance to society, and the role of government agencies, academia, and industry in the promotion of ionospheric and space weather research.  This is your opportunity to sound off. The session should be heavy on intelligent opinion and light on specialized research presentations.  We anticipate several invited papers and a vigorous discussion panel following. Abstracts are required. If a large number of abstracts are received, and time will not allow all to be accommodated, we shall provide a poster opportunity.

Special Session: The Impact of Rocket Exhaust and High Power Radio Waves on the Ionosphere, convened by Dr. Paul Bernhardt, NRL

Summary: Ionospheric modification involves active changing of the physical characteristics of the ionosphere with either chemical releases or high power radio waves.  Ionospheric modification can be used to excite both optical and electromagnetic emissions that can be detected using ground based sensors.  Ionospheric irregularities that are excited artificially can be detected with ground radars and by radio propagation through the medium.  Any submission on artificial changes in the ionosphere will be appropriate for this session.

Special Session on HF Communication and related Systems: Convener: Dr. Leo McNamara (AFRL); Synopsis under development

Special Session: Radio Diagnostics of the Ionosphere including Low Frequency Arrays, convened by Dr. Anthea Coster (MIT-Haystack) and Dr. Kenneth Dymond (NRL); Synopsis under development

Ionospheric Effects on Aviation Systems, Chair: Prof. Patricia Doherty

 This session will be dedicated to ionospheric effects on aviation navigation and communication radio systems.  These systems may include current and next generation Satellite-Based Augmentation Systems (SBAS), Ground Based Augmentation Systems (GBAS), satellite communication and shortwave voice and data communication systems.

The FAA’s WAAS system was the first SBAS system deemed operational in July 2003.  Since that time, the greatest impacts to WAAS availability have been extreme solar storm events.  As we enter a new solar cycle, solar storms will continue to be a source of concern for SBAS and GBAS systems worldwide.  Solar storms will further confront aircraft operating in the polar region, where communication blackouts and the potential radiation hazard to passengers result in costly route changes and flight delays.  Augmentation and aircraft systems planned to operate in the low latitude regions will be seriously challenged by the extreme ionospheric dynamics of the near equatorial ionosphere.

As the aviation industry becomes more dependent on satellite based navigation and communication systems, it is important to assess the impending worldwide challenges of Solar Cycle 24.  This session invites abstracts related to ionospheric assessments, algorithm development, performance assessments and program status for all navigation and communication radio systems.

 Special Session: C/NOFS program: Conveners are: Dr. Keith Groves (AFRL) and Dr. Odile de la Beaujardiere (AFRL); Synopsis under development