Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA) and comparison with IRI model during descending phase of solar activity (2005–2009)

The ionospheric variability at equatorial and low latitude region is known to be extreme as compared to mid latitude region. In this study the ionospheric total electron content (TEC), is derived by analyzing dual frequency Global Positioning System (GPS) data recorded at two stations separated by 325 km near the Indian equatorial anomaly region, Varanasi (Geog latitude 25°, 16^/ N, longitude 82°, 59^/ E, Geomagnetic latitude 16°, 08^/ N) and Kanpur (Geog latitude 26°, 18^/ N, longitude 80°, 12^/ E, Geomagnetic latitude 17°, 18^/ N). Specifically, we studied monthly, seasonal and annual variations as well as solar and geomagnetic effects on the equatorial ionospheric anomaly (EIA) during the descending phase of solar activity from 2005 to 2009. It is found that the maximum TEC (EIA) near equatorial anomaly crest yield their maximum values during the equinox months and their minimum values during the summer. Using monthly averaged peak magnitude of TEC, a clear semi-annual variation is seen with two maxima occurring in both spring and autumn. Results also showed the presence of winter anomaly or seasonal anomaly in the EIA crest throughout the period 2005–2009 only except during the deep solar minimum year 2007–2008. The correlation analysis indicate that the variation of EIA crest is more affected by solar activity compared to geomagnetic activity with maximum dependence on the solar EUV flux, which is attributed to direct link of EUV flux on the formation of ionosphere and main agent of the ionization. The statistical mean occurrence of EIA crest in TEC during the year from 2005 to 2009 is found to around 12:54 LT hour and at 21.12° N geographic latitude. The crest of EIA shifts towards lower latitudes and the rate of shift of the crest latitude during this period is found to be 0.87° N/per year. The comparison between IRI models with observation during this period has been made and comparison is poor with increasing solar activity with maximum difference during the year 2005.     

GPS derived TEC and foF2 variability at an equatorial station and the performance of IRI-model

The ionosphere induces a time delay in transionospheric radio signals such as the Global Positioning System (GPS) signal. The Total Electron Content (TEC) is a key parameter in the mitigation of ionospheric effects on transionospheric signals. The delay in GPS signal induced by the ionosphere is proportional to TEC along the path from the GPS satellite to a receiver. The diurnal monthly and seasonal variations of ionospheric electron content were studied during the year 2010, a year of extreme solar minimum (F10.7 = 81 solar flux unit), with data from the GPS receiver and the Digisonde Portable Sounder (DPS) collocated at Ilorin (Geog. Lat. 8.50°N, Long. 4.50°E, dip −7.9°). The diurnal monthly variation shows steady increases in TEC and F2-layer critical frequency (foF2) from pre-dawn minimum to afternoon maximum and then decreases after sunset. TEC show significant seasonal variation during the daytime between 0900 and 1900 UT (LT = UT + 1 h) with a maximum during the March equinox (about 35 TECU) and minimum during the June solstice (about 24 TECU). The GPS-TEC and foF2 values reveal a weak seasonal anomaly and equinoctial asymmetry during the daytime. The variations observed find their explanations in the amount of solar radiation and neutral gas composition. The measured TEC and foF2 values were compared with last two versions of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2007 and IRI-2012) model predictions using the NeQuick and CCIR (International Radio Consultative Committee) options respectively in the model. In general, the two models give foF2 close to the experimental values, whereas significant discrepancies are found in the predictions of TEC from the models especially during the daytime. The error in height dependent thickness parameter, daytime underestimation of equatorial drift and contributions of electrons from altitudes above 2000 km have been suggested as the possible causes.     

Comparison between African equatorial station ground-based inferred vertical E × B drift,Jicamarca direct measured drift,and IRI model

The Incoherent Scatter Radar measurement over Jicamarca, together with the IRI model-2007 measurements were compared with ground-based digisonde inferred E × B drift over Ilorin in the African region during year of solar minima (F10.7 = 81). Seasonally, Ilorin pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) had peak drift velocities of 7.2, 3.7 and 7.9 m/s for March equinox, September equinox and December solstice respectively, while Jicamarca drifts indicated 13.0, 10.5 and 5.2 m/s; as well as the IRI model with 14.3, 8.4 and 0.7 m/s in similar order. PRE value was insignificant during June solstice. The PRE magnitude of the IRI-model during the equinoxes is twice the value obtained at Ilorin. The daytime E × B drift peaked over Ilorin 1–2 h earlier than both the modeled and Jicamarca observations. This could be due to the difference in sunset time at the conjugate points corresponding to the altitude of the observation. During the evening time PRE, the respective correlation coefficients (R) for Vz–F10.7 relation over Jicamarca, Ilorin and the modeled observations are −0.5559, 0.4796 and −0.4979. Similarly, the Vz–Ap relation exhibit excellent anti-correlation coefficient (R = −0.8637) for the IRI-model, −0.4827 over Jicamarca and 0.3479 for Ilorin. Annual mean drift velocities over Jicamarca, Ilorin and IRI model measurements respectively are 10, 5.6 and 10 m/s for the peak PRE observation; 15, 16 and 21 m/s for the daytime pre-sunrise peak values; and −21, −9 and −16 m/s for the nighttime downward reversals. The root-mean square (RMS) deviation between IRI-model and the Ilorin drift between 2000 and 0500 h is 4.37, 2.03, 3.71 and 2.42 m/s for March equinox, June solstice, September equinox and December solstice respectively. For Jicamarca–Ilorin drift relation, RMS deviation is 5.48, 2.30, 3.47 and 1.27 m/s in the same order respectively. Annual hmF2 inferred drift over Ilorin during daytime is higher by a factor of ≈2 and 3 at Jicamarca and IRI model measurements respectively; and by a factor of ≈5 for both during the night-time period. The limitations in using hmF2 to infer drifts are discussed.     

Comparisons of foF2 with IRI model and equatorial vertical drifts

Measurements of the critical frequency, foF2 recorded over Ibadan: 7.4°N, 3.9°E (geographic), 6°S (dip angle) have been compared with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2007) model for solar maximum geomagnetically quiet conditions, with a view to determining what modifications might bring about better predictions for the model. Our results reveal that the present version of IRI essentially reproduces diurnal trends and the general features of the experimental observations for all seasons, except for nighttime June solstice periods, which the model seriously overestimated. The model errors ranging from 50% to 125% over the four seasons considered in this study. It is also indicated that the percentage relative deviations between the observed and the modeled values vary approximately from −11% to 12% (March), −34% to 11% (June), −16% to 12% (September), and −10% to 13% (December). An unexpected feature of foF2 is obvious and remarkable reduction in values during nighttime June solstice periods compared to that in other seasons. Relationship between equatorial vertical drift and foF2 is also investigated. However, cross correlation analysis reveals strong anti-correlation between vertical drift and critical frequency during the daytime hours, but exceptionally opposite is the case for the nighttime sector. The discrepancies which are noted, particularly during June solstice season are attributed to processes most likely within the thermosphere and from meteorological influences during quiet magnetic conditions.