A new VLF/LF atmospheric noise model

Abstract

[1] Atmospheric noise, originating essentially from lightning discharges, is the main disturbance of VLF/LF telecommunications. This paper characterizes atmospheric noise in the 10-80 kHz range and proposes a new model: very accurate low-frequency noise model (VALERIE). This model uses a new approach, which combines noise measurements with lightning data. The noise statistics were obtained from several years of measurements taken by the Délégation Générale de l'Armement (DGA)/Centre Technique des Systèmes Naval (CTSN) (Toulon, France) and the Space and Naval Warfare Systems (SPAWAR) (San Diego, California). Lightning data were provided by recent satellite observations made by NASA. A comparison of VALERIE predictions with measurements by cross validation showed an increase in accuracy compared to the current International Telecommunication Union (Geneva) model and a decreased average deviation. The model has been validated for the Atlantic area but may be extended as new measurements are collected.

Natural and man-made terrestrial electromagnetic noise: an outlook

“…Observation of the phase and amplitude of VLF waves were also used to study variability, morphology and other phenomena occurring in the low ionospheric region. Measurements and timespatial statistical model is gven by Fieve et al (2007), and Tomco and Hepner (2001).…”

Statistical Analysis of Very Low Frequency Atmospheric Noise Caused by the Global Lightning Using Ground‐Based Observations in China

“…Combining with noise measurement of lightning, Fieve et al. (2007) developed a new model, which boasts higher accuracy than the Geneva model did.…”

“…intensity of vertical electric and horizontal magnetic noise fields or the temporal, diurnal, and geographic variations of the observation value, the model was inconsistent with the data of the observation station (Consultative Committee of International Radio (CCIR), 1983; Consultative Committee of International Radio (CCIR), 1988; Maxwell & Stone, 1963;Sailors, 1995). Combining with noise measurement of lightning, Fieve et al (2007) developed a new model, which boasts higher accuracy than the Geneva model did.…”

Natural atmospheric noise statistics from VLF measurements in the eastern Mediterranean

“…The study of the performances of longwave strategic communication systems under average conditions is a well understood task [ Herman et al , 1983; Adlard et al , 1999], and a number of computational tools exist for such purposes [ Hall , 1966; Warber and Shearer , 1994; Fieve et al , 2007]. Since such communication systems are atmospheric noise limited, knowledge of the ambient noise level as a function of time of day and day of year is very important [ Warber , 1998].…”

“…There are a number of statistical measures that are used to define the properties of low‐frequency radio noise. The most common of these quantities are: the average amplitude [ Bowen et al , 1992]; the voltage deviation V d [ Fieve et al , 2007] (the descriptive term has lost significance, but V d , being a measure of the impulsiveness of the noise, is still a very useful quantity) which is widely use to characterize radio noise particularly in the CCIR reports [ CCIR , 1964, 1978, 1988]; the antenna noise factor F a [ Herman et al , 1983], the amplitude probability distributions, or APDs, which give important information about the amplitude that can be expected [ Fraser‐Smith , 1995]. Although they are less often quoted, statistical distributions of the atmospheric noise envelope have considerable practical application.…”