Impact of plasma structures on GPS signals

Electromagnetic waves, like those used for the Global Positioning System  (GPS), are subject to disturbances caused by plasma structures in the  upper atmosphere. Although we currently have a qualitative understanding  of the connection between plasma structures and signal disturbances, the  details of the interaction are not fully understood. This project will study the characteristics and occurrence of plasma  structures using data from the Swarm satellite mission and compare these  to measurements of the GPS signal quality made on the ground.