Leading researchers at Kyushu University have some very important findings about how increasing CO2 affects the chemical phenomenon called Sporadic-E. If so, it might accurately shut down shortwave radio communications around the globe. Sporadic-E developing across the ionosphere, located around 100 km above the Earth’s surface. Here, a complex layer of metallic ions forms at altitudes of 90 to 120 kilometers. With temperatures rising and CO2 levels as well, the effects on space communications may become even worse.
This new analysis finds that increasing atmospheric CO2 concentrations are making Sporadic-E more intense. It can happen even at lower altitudes than we’ve previously witnessed. These modifications might result in longer-lasting episodes of Sporadic-E overnight. Such a scenario presents real dangers to important communications infrastructure that we depend on for air traffic control system and maritime navigation.
Understanding Sporadic-E
Sporadic-E is known for its erratic behavior, frequently disrupting radio communications unexpectedly. “As the name suggests, Es are sporadic and difficult to predict. When they occur, they can disrupt HF and VHF radio communications,” explained Huixin Liu, a researcher involved in the study. The phenomenon is even causing damaging disruptions to radio broadcasting systems, highly important mediums for both entertainment and emergency services.
Our research team used a whole-atmosphere model to recreate the upper atmosphere under different CO2 concentrations. However, though simulations were run at atmospheric conditions of 315 ppm, they were run at artificially high conditions of 667 ppm. The findings suggested that rising CO2 would increase downward driving of air from above, reducing the ionosphere’s air density, while speeding up wind circulation. These changes will have significant effects on how Sporadic-E behaves.
Implications for Communication Systems
The magnitude of the positive implications of these changes on our evolving communication systems would be hard to exaggerate. The occurrences of Sporadic-E will become more frequent and prolonged. Consequently, industries that depend on HF and VHF radio communications might suffer from a heavy blow. Air traffic control systems that depend on reliable radio signals could experience interruptions, which may compromise safety during flight operations.
Maritime communication systems are at risk. Dependence on stable radio communications Vessels, vessels at risk, depend on reliable radio communication both for safe navigation and lives. Interference from Sporadic-E disruptions would unfortunately prevent them from being able to reliably communicate with coastal stations and other ships. This growing unpredictability of this phenomenon — often referred to as the “demon tide” — presents a great danger for mariner safety.
New Insights into Atmospheric Changes
This new study is a stunning first step in clarifying the broader impacts of climate change on high-altitude phenomena. “These findings are the first of its kind to show how increasing CO2 affects the occurrence of Es, revealing new insights into cross-scale coupling processes between neutral air and ionosphere plasma,” Liu stated. This study emphasizes the link between terrestrial and space weather that makes up Earth’s climate system.
Liu further noted, “This cooling doesn’t mean it is all good. It decreases the air density in the ionosphere and accelerates wind circulation.” These findings illuminate how human-caused climate changes are affecting various layers of the atmosphere. They affect everything from terrestrial weather patterns on Earth to space weather phenomena.