Regional VTEC modeling with multivariate adaptive regression splines

Different algorithms have been proposed for the modeling of the ionosphere. The most frequently used method is based on the spherical harmonic functions achieving successful results for global modeling but not for the local and regional applications due to the bounded spherical harmonic representation. Irregular data distribution and data gaps cause also difficulties in the global modeling of the ionosphere. In this paper we propose an efficient algorithm with Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines (MARS) to represent a new non-parametric approach for regional spatio-temporal mapping of the ionospheric electron density using ground-based GPS observations. MARS can handle very large data sets of observations and is an adaptive and flexible method, which can be applied to both linear and non-linear problems. The basis functions are directly obtained from the observations and have space partitioning property resulting in an adaptive model. This property helps to avoid numerical problems and computational inefficiency caused by the number of coefficients, which has to be increased to detect the local variations of the ionosphere. Since the fitting procedure is additive it does not require gridding and is able to process large amounts of data with large gaps. Additionally the model complexity can be controlled by the user via limiting the maximal number of coefficients and the order of products of the basis functions. In this study the MARS algorithm is applied to real data sets over Europe for regional ionosphere modeling. The results are compared with the results of Bernese GPS Software over the same region.     

Comparing ionospheric models with mid-latitude ionosonde observations

The purpose of this research work is to validate the ionospheric models (IRI and CHIU) to assess its suitability and usefulness as an operational tool. The ionospheric model is a computer model designed to predict the state of the global ionosphere for 24 h. The scope was limited to conduct comparisons between the predicted F₂ layer critical frequencies (f₀F₂) against observed ionosonde data. The ionospheric prediction model (IPM) was designed to predict by using monthly median sunspot number, while the observation data are taken from two digital ionospheric sounding stations (Okinawa, 26.28N, 127.8E and Wakkanai, 45.38N, 141.66E) which lies within the mid-latitude region of the globe. Analysis of the f₀F₂ data from stations for year (2001) with high solar activity and year (2004) with low solar activity, four months (March, June, September and December) chosen based primarily on data availability. From results it seen that the ratio between monthly median predicted and observed f₀F₂ values for each model used in this research work and for the chosen months was nonlinear with local time, so the empirical formula for applying correction factors were determined, these formula can be used to correct the error occurred in predicted f₀F₂ value.     

Arbitrary amplitude ion-acoustic waves in a plasma with nonthermal electrons

We investigated the effect of the presence of a nonthermal electron population on the electrostatic nonlinear waves. We considered positively charged ions with two electron populations. Using the fluid equations for the unmagnetized case and the Sagdeev pseudo-potential approach the nonlinear ion-acoustic waves are studied. The cold electrons are in thermal equilibrium while the hot electron population follows a nonthermal distribution. Numerical investigation shows the importance of the presence of small amount of cold electrons that make it possible for the plasma to support nonlinear waves. We obtained the minimum cold electron density necessary to sustain these nonlinear waves. The relevant situation corresponds to the upper ionosphere where energetic electrons have been observed.     

Using neural networks to determine the optimum solar input for the prediction of ionospheric parameters

Neural networks (NNs) are proving to be ideal tools for modeling the behaviour of the ionosphere. The NNs are trained using a database of archived data describing the relationship between the output parameter and an input space. The input space is designed from knowledge of those variables that affect the behaviour of the output parameter. For ionospheric parameters this input space would always include a solar variable due to the strong influence that the sun has on ionospheric behaviour.     

Location of layered structures in the ionosphere and atmosphere by use of GPS occultation data

A method is introduced to locate the layered structures in the atmosphere and ionosphere based on simultaneous observations of radio wave intensity and phase variations in trans-ionospheric satellite-to-satellite links. The method determines location of a tangent point on the trans-ionospheric ray trajectory where gradient of refractivity is perpendicular to the ray trajectory and influence of a layered structure on radio wave parameters is maximal. An estimate of the location of a layer can be obtained from a combination of the phase and intensity variations. This new technique was applied to measurements provided during FORMOSAT-3 and CHAMP radio occultation (RO) missions. For the considered RO events the location of the inclined plasma layer in the lower ionosphere is found and the electron density distribution is retrieved. The method is checked by measuring the location of the tangent point on the ray trajectory in the neutral gas in the atmosphere. The results showed a fairly good agreement.     

Theoretical simulation of electron density and temperature distribution at Indian equatorial and low latitude ionosphere

The electron density and temperature distribution of the equatorial and low latitude ionosphere in the Indian sector has been investigated by simultaneously solving the continuity, momentum and energy balance equations of ion and electron flux along geomagnetic field lines from the Northern to the Southern hemisphere. Model algorithm is presented and results are compared with the electron density and electron temperature measured in situ by Indian SROSS C2 satellite at an altitude of ∼500 km within 31°S–34°N and 75 ± 10°E that covers the Indian sector during a period of low solar activity. Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) observed in electron density, morning and afternoon enhancements, equatorial trough in electron temperature have been simulated by the model within reasonable limits of accuracy besides reproducing other normal diurnal features of density and temperature.     

Distributing space weather monitoring instruments and educational materials worldwide for IHY 2007: The AWESOME and SID project

The International Heliophysical Year (IHY) aims to advance our understanding of the fundamental processes that govern the Sun, Earth, and heliosphere. The IHY Education and Outreach Program is dedicated to inspiring the next generation of space and Earth scientists as well as spreading the knowledge, beauty, and relevance of our solar system to the people of the world. In our Space Weather Monitor project we deploy a global network of sensors to high schools and universities to provide quantitative diagnostics of solar-induced ionospheric disturbances, thunderstorm intensity, and magnetospheric activity. We bring real scientific instruments and data in a cost-effective way to students throughout the world. Instruments meet the objectives of being sensitive enough to produce research-quality data, yet inexpensive enough for placement in high schools and universities. The instruments and data have been shown to be appropriate to, and usable by, high school age and early university students. Data contributed to the Stanford data center is openly shared and partnerships between groups in different nations develop naturally. Students and teachers have direct access to scientific expertise.     

An empirical model of electron density in low latitude at 600 km obtained by Hinotori satellite

An empirical model of electron density (Ne) was constructed by using the data obtained with an impedance probe on board Japanese Hinotori satellite. The satellite was in circular orbit of the height of 600 km with the inclination of 31 degrees from February 1981 to June 1982. The constructed model gives Ne at any local time with the time resolution of 90 min and between −25 and 25 degrees in magnetic latitude with its resolution of 5 degrees in the range of F_10.7 from 150 to 250 under the condition of K_p < 4. Spline interpolations are applied to the functions of day of year, geomagnetic latitude and solar local time, and linear interpolation is applied to the function of F_10.7. Longitude dependence of Ne is not taken into account. Our density model can reproduce solar local time variation of electron density at 600 km altitude better than current International Reference Ionosphere (IRI2001) model which overestimates Ne in night time and underestimates Ne in day time. Our density model together with electron temperature model which has been constructed before will enable more understanding of upper ionospheric phenomenon in the equatorial region.     

Computerized ionospheric tomography with the IRI model

Computerized ionospheric tomography (CIT) is a method to estimate ionospheric electron density distribution by using the global positioning system (GPS) signals recorded by the GPS receivers. Ionospheric electron density is a function of latitude, longitude, height and time. A general approach in CIT is to represent the ionosphere as a linear combination of basis functions. In this study, the model of the ionosphere is obtained from the IRI in latitude and height only. The goal is to determine the best representing basis function from the set of Squeezed Legendre polynomials, truncated Legendre polynomials, Haar Wavelets and singular value decomposition (SVD). The reconstruction algorithms used in this study can be listed as total least squares (TLS), regularized least squares, algebraic reconstruction technique (ART) and a hybrid algorithm where the reconstruction from the TLS algorithm is used as the initial estimate for the ART. The error performance of the reconstruction algorithms are compared with respect to the electron density generated by the IRI-2001 model. In the investigated scenario, the measurements are obtained from the IRI-2001 as the line integral of the electron density profiles, imitating the total electron content estimated from GPS measurements. It has been observed that the minimum error between the reconstructed and model ionospheres depends on both the reconstruction algorithm and the basis functions where the best results have been obtained for the basis functions from the model itself through SVD.     

Characterization of GNSS scintillations over Lagos,Nigeria during the minimum and ascending phases (2009–2011) of solar cycle 24

This study characterizes equatorial scintillations at L-band frequency over Lagos, Nigeria during the minimum and ascending phases of solar cycle 24. Three years (2009–2011) of amplitude scintillation data were used for the investigation. The data were grouped on daily, monthly, seasonal, and yearly scales at three levels of scintillation (weak (0.3 ? S₄ < 0.4), moderate (0.4 ? S₄ < 0.7), and intense (S₄ ? 0.7)). To ensure reliable statistical inferences, three data cut-off criteria were adopted. Scintillations were observed to have a daily trend of occurrence during the hours of 1900–0200 LT, and higher levels of scintillations were localized within the hours of 2000–2300 LT. On monthly basis, September and October recorded the highest occurrences of scintillation, while January recorded the least. Scintillations were recorded during all the months of 2011, except January. Surprisingly, pockets of scintillation events (weak levels) were also observed during the summer months (May, June, and July). Seasonally, equinoxes recorded the highest occurrences of scintillation, while June solstice recorded the least occurrences. Scintillation activity also increases with solar and geomagnetic activity. On a scintillation active day, the number of satellites available to the receiver’s view reduces as the duration of observation reduces. These results may support the development of future models that could provide real-time predictability of African equatorial scintillations, with a view to supporting the implementation of GNSS-based navigation for aviation applications in Africa.