GPS-TEC variations, generated in midlatitude and highlatitude ionosphere by powerful HF-heating

In this work we report on the results of the ionospheric heating experiments, which were carried out at the Sura (Russia) and EISCAT/Heating (Norway) facilities during several heating campaigns in 2009 and 2010. We present experimental evidences for the influence of the electron density perturbations, induced by HF-heating in the midlatitude and highlatitude ionosphere, on the GNSS radio signals. Variations in the total electron content (TEC), proportional to the reduced phases of navigational signals, were studied. Examples of the identification of the heating-induced variations in TEC, including determination of the amplitudes and temporal characteristics are presented.