UNB Physics Department Seminar Empirical model in the characterization of High Frequency propagation in the Arctic region By Racheal Athieno UNB Despite the emergence of modern techniques for long distance communication, ionospheric communication in the high frequency (HF) band (3-‐30 MHz) remains significant to both civilian and military users. However, the efficient use of the ever-‐varying ionosphere as a propagation medium is dependent on the reliability of ionospheric and HF propagation prediction models. A considerable effort has been made to develop models and predict ionospheric parameters but with minimum effort to include high latitude ionospheric effects. In this study, we investigate the temporal variation of the maximum usable frequency (MUF) and attempt to validate two long term prediction models, namely, the Ionospheric Communication Enhanced Profile Analysis (ICEPAC) and Voice of America Coverage Analysis Program (VOACAP) with an aim to evaluate and improve predictions at high latitudes. The values of MUF are obtained from hand-‐scaled ionograms generated by the Canadian Advanced Digital Ionosonde (CADI). Preliminary results from Resolute (74.75° N, 265.00° E), one of the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN) stations will be presented. The observed MUF data has been compared with predictions obtained from ICEPAC and VOACAP prediction codes. The observed and predicted MUF data show diurnal variations though the analysed period is too short for a good statistical analysis and an absolute conclusion. Friday, March 7, 2014, 3:30-‐4:30 pm in P204 Colloquium tea in P203 beforehand