Comparison of various empirical models of electron temperature with experimental measurements during low solar activity

Comparisons of various available empirical models of electron temperature are made with actual measurements from incoherent scatter radar and rocket and satellite probes, during low solar activity period. The models compared are those of Pandey $\text{et al.}$ (1983), Brace and Theis (1978), IRI (1979) and Bilitza (1983). It is found that our model and the Brace and Theis model are closer to actual measurements than the IRI and Bilitza models.     

不同上边界条件下的极区电离层数值模拟

利用一维自洽的极区电离层模型,研究了沿磁力线方向不同电离层-磁层耦合条件下极区电离层的响应.此模型在110-610km的电离层空间区域内,综合求解描述极区电离层的连续性方程、动量方程和能量方程,以得到电离层数值解.研究发现,上边界条件在200 km以上的高度能显著地影响电离层参量的形态.较高的O+上行速度对应较低的F层峰值和较高的电子温度.不同边界O+上行速度对应的温度高度剖面完全不同.200km以上电子温度高度剖面不但由来自磁层的热流通量所控制,同时还受到场向O+速度的影响.对利用电离层模型研究电离层内部物理过程提出了建议.      

Accuracy of IRI profiles of ionospheric density and temperatures derived from comparisons to Kharkov incoherent scatter radar measurements

The incoherent scatter radar (ISR) facility in Kharkov, Ukraine (49.6°N, 36.3°E) measures vertical profiles of electron density, electron and ion temperature, and ion composition of the ionospheric plasma up to 1100 km altitude. Acquired measurements constitute an accurate ionospheric reference dataset for validation of the variety of models and alternative measurement techniques. We describe preliminary results of comparing the Kharkov ISR profiles to the international reference ionosphere (IRI), an empirical model recognized for its reliable representation of the monthly-median climatology of the density and temperature profiles during quiet-time conditions, with certain extensions to the storm times. We limited our comparison to only quiet geomagnetic conditions during the autumnal equinoxes of 2007 and 2008. Overall, we observe good qualitative agreement between model and data both in time and with altitude. Magnitude-wise, the measured and modeled electron density and plasma temperatures profiles appear different. We discovered that representation accuracy improves significantly when IRI is driven by observed-averaged values of the solar activity index rather than their predictions. This result motivated us to study IRI performance throughout protracted solar minimum of the 24th cycle. The paper summarizes our observations and recommendations for optimal use of the IRI.     

Improved analytical representation of electron temperature in the IRI

In the last decade extensive measurements from incoherent scatter stations and from several satellite missions have considerably improved our knowledge of long- and short-term variations in the ionospheric electron temperature. Comparisons with IRI have revealed some shortcomings of this earlier model. It is obvious that in different altitude regions one has to concentrate the modelling efforts on different parameters. Here a model representation is proposed that will facilitate approaches (for the different altitude regions) in one analytic form.     

The interest of information obtained by incoherent scatter technique

Incoherent scatter measurements are of great value for establishing and improving the IRI. This holds, in particular, for the topside electron density profile, for the valley occurring under certain conditions between regions E and F, and for the electron and ion temperature profiles. Extension in time of the observations could be very helpful for future work on IRI.     

Validate the IRI2007 model by the COSMIC slant TEC data during the extremely solar minimum of 2008

During 2008, the solar activity is extremely low. The satellite observations show that the ionospheric height and electron density is much lower than the predictions by the international reference ionosphere (IRI) model. In this paper, we compared the slant total electron content (TEC) observed by the COSMIC satellites during 2008 with the IRI model results. It is found that the IRI model with IRI2001 and IRI2001 Cor. topside options will always overestimate the electron density in both lower and higher altitudes. But the rest two topside options (NeQuick, and TTS) tend to overestimate the electron density in the F layer and underestimate it in the topside altitudes. The switch altitude between overestimation and underestimation and the latitude-local time distribution of the model deviation depend on the topside option. The current investigation might be useful for the model improvement as well as data assimilation work based on the IRI model and the LEO TEC data.     

Modelling of ionospheric temperature profiles

The amount of measured temperature data accumulated in recent years allows and asks for improvement and refinement of the rather crude temperature models employed in the International Reference Ionosphere 1979. By combining the mission-oriented models by BRACE, THEIS /2/ for the AE-C satellites and by SPENNER, PLUGGE /1/ for the AEROS-A satellite, a much better diurnal and latitudinal reliability can be obtained. It is also suggested that IRI should have the option to make use of the strong anti-correlation between electron temperature and density in cases where actual measured densities are available. For daytime condition, incorporation of a density dependent model into IRI can significantly enhance the prediction quality of IRI in the altitude range 300 to 600 km.Furtheron, the solar activity dependence of the electron temperature and of the density-temperature-relation are investigated by comparing the low solar activity models with more recent AE-C and -DE data.     

A simplified D-region ion chemistry scheme and its possible use for IRI lower ionosphere modelling

Ion composition of the D region is principally characterized by the existence of two distinct regions of predominant molecular ions and predominant cluster ions, separated from each other by a rather sharp ‘transition height’, which is proposed to be included in the IRI as an additional parameter, supplementing the electron density models. It is possible to predict the position of this ‘transition height’ at a given place and time with the aid of a simplified ion chemistry scheme which is shown to be satisfactorily compatible with experimental ion composition data available in the literature. Our suggested method of this prediction makes use of the (IRI or experimental) electron density profile at the location and season in question, together with an effective clustering rate coeeficient calculated from corresponding temperature and density profiles taken from a suitable reference model of the neutral atmosphere.     

Comparison between the IRI ion composition and incoherent scatter measurement and theoretical values

Comparisons have been made between the percentage of light ions in the upper ionosphere as predicted by the IRI model and as found in incoherent scatter (ICS) measurements at the stations Millstone Hill, Arecibo and Jicamarca. Major discrepancies are observed in both day and night. The IRI values are always considerably larger than the ICS measurements. Theoretical values are calculated as well, assuming chemical equilibrium and using the MSIS neutral density model /1/. In most cases these theoretical values favour the ICS values; only for the daytime ion composition above Millstone Hill has better agreement with the IRI model been found.     

An empirical model of electron temperature for low and middle latitudes in the 100–200 km height region

An empirical model of electron temperature (T_e) for low and middle latitudes is proposed in view of IRI. It is constructed on the basis of experimental data obtained at 100 to 200 km by probe and incoherent scatter methods. Below 150 km the model gives two T_e values: one from incoherent scatter data and another from probe measurements. The model can be used for all seasons for quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp not greater 3) and at almost all levels of solar activity (F_10.7 between 70 and 200). It is presented in an analytical form that allows one to calculate T_e profiles for different latitudes, longitudes and at any season (day). Depending on geomagnetic latitude and solar zenith angle, electron temperature distributions are presented for two heights along with T_e profile variations during the day (at middle latitudes).     

Global comparison of the model results of GSM TIP with IRI for summer conditions

This paper presents the results of the numerical calculations thermosphere/ionosphere parameters which were executed with using of the Global Self-consistent Model of the Thermosphere, Ionosphere and Protonosphere (GSM TIP)and comparison of these results with empirically-based model IRI-2001. Model GSM TIP was developed in West Department of IZMIRAN and solves self-consistently the time-dependent, 3-D coupled equations of the momentum, energy and continuity for neutral particles (O₂, N₂, O), ions (O⁺, H⁺), molecular ions (M⁺) and electrons and largescale eletric field of the dynamo and magnetospheric origin in the range of height from 80 km to 15 Earth’s radii. The empirically derived IRI model describes the E and F regions of the ionosphere in terms of location, time, solar activity and season. Its output provides a global specification not only of N_e but also on the ion and electron temperatures and the ion composition. These two models represent a unique set of capabilities that reflect major differences in along with a substantial approaches of the first-principles model and global database model for the mapping ionosphere parameters. We focus on global distribution of the N_e, T_i, T_e and TEC for the one moment UT and fixed altitudes: 110 km, h_mF2, 300 km and 1000 km. The calculations were executed with using of GSM TIP and IRI models for August 1999, moderate solar activity and quiet geomagnetic conditions. Results present as the global differences between the IRI and GSM TIP models predictions. The discrepancies between model results are discussed.     

Evaluation of the IRI-2007 model options for the topside electron density

The International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) 2007 provides two new options for the topside electron density profile: (a) a correction of the IRI-2001 model, and (b) the NeQuick topside formula. We use the large volume of Alouette 1, 2 and ISIS 1, 2 topside sounder data to evaluate these two new options with special emphasis on the uppermost topside where IRI-2001 showed the largest discrepancies. We will also study the accurate representation of profiles in the equatorial anomaly region where the profile function has to accommodate two latitudinal maxima (crests) at lower altitudes but only a single maximum (at the equator) higher up. In addition to IRI-2001 and the two new IRI-2007 options we also include the Intercosmos-based topside model of Triskova, Truhlik, and Smilauer [Triskova, L., Truhlik, V., Smilauer, J. An empirical topside electron density model for calculation of absolute ion densities in IRI. Adv. Space Res. 37 (5), 928–934, 2006] (TTS model) in our analysis. We find that overall IRI-2007-NeQ gives the best results but IRI-2007-corrected provides a more realistic representation of the altitudinal–latitudinal structure in the equatorial anomaly region. The applicability of the TTS model is limited by the fact that it is not normalized to the F2 peak density and height.     

TEC derived from some GPS stations in Nigeria and comparison with the IRI and NeQuick models

Total electron content (TEC) measured simultaneously using Global Positioning System (GPS) ionospheric monitors installed at some locations in Nigeria during the year 2011 (Rz = 55.7) was used to study the diurnal, seasonal, and annual TEC variations. The TEC exhibits daytime maximum, seasonal variation and semiannual variations. Measured TEC were compared with those predicted by the improved versions of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) and NeQuick models. The models followed the diurnal and seasonal variation patterns of the observed values of TEC. However, IRI model produced better estimates of TEC than NeQuick at all locations.     

IRI 2001/90 TEC predictions over a low latitude station

Total electron content (TEC) over Tucumán (26.9°S, 294.6°W) measured with Faraday technique during the high solar activity year 1982, is used to check IRI 2001 TEC predictions at the southern crest of the equatorial anomaly region. Comparisons with IRI 90 are also made. The results show that in general IRI overestimates TEC values around the daily minimum and underestimates it the remaining hours. Better predictions are obtained using ground ionosonde measurements as input coefficients in the IRI model. The results suggest that for hours of maximum TEC values the electron density profile is broader than that assumed by the model. The main reason for the disagreement would be the IRI shape of the electron density profile.     

Global empirical models of the density peak height and of the equivalent scale height for quiet conditions

Monthly average electron density profiles have been calculated from hourly electron density N(h) recorded in 26 digisonde stations distributed worldwide encompassing the time interval 1998–2006. The ionospheric electron density peak height of the F2 region, hmF2, and the effective scale height at the hmF2, Hm, deduced from average profiles have been analyzed to obtain the quiet-time behavior and have been analytically modeled by the spherical harmonic analysis (SH) technique using the modip latitude as the coordinate of the reference system. The coefficients of the SH models of hmF2 and Hm are bounded to the solar activity, and the temporal and seasonal variations are considered by Fourier expansion of the coefficients. The SH models provide a tool to predict hmF2 and Hm located anywhere in the range of latitudes between of 70°N and 70°S and at any time. The SH analytical model for hmF2 improves the fit to the observations by 10% in average compared to the IRI prediction, and it might improve the IRI prediction of hmF2 by more than 30% at high and low latitudes. The analytical model for Hm predicts the quiet behavior of the effective scale height with accuracy better than 15% in average which enables to obtain a good estimation of vertical profiles. These results could be useful to estimate information for the topside profile formulation.