HF propagation over a trans-auroral path

The high latitude ionosphere forms a highly dynamic and disturbed medium which can severely affect HF radio signals propagating through these regions. In order to investigate the characteristics of the type of propagation, a frequency agile transmitter has been installed north of the auroral oval on Baffin Island in the Canadian North West Territories, together with a receiver and data logger located at Leicester in the UK. Experiments are currently being undertaken on signals transmitted over this trans-auroral path on fourteen frequencies between 3 MHz and 21 MHz, radiated with a power of approximately 350 W. Results of measurements undertaken during a 30 day period in July and August 1988 are presented.