scholarly journals Comparative Study of the Influence of Full and Partial Halo Geomagnetic Storms on High Latitude Ionosphere

Author(s):  
Dominic Chukwuebuka Obiegbuna ◽  
Francisca Nneka Okeke ◽  
Kingsley Chukwudi Okpala ◽  
Orji Prince Orji ◽  
Gregory Ibeabuchi Egba ◽  
...  

We have studied and compared the effects of full and partial halo geomagnetic storms on the high latitude ionosphere. The study used the total electron content (TEC) data obtained from the global positioning system (GPS) to examine the level of response of high latitude ionosphere around Ny Alesund, Norway to full and partial halo geomagnetic storms of June 23rd 2015 and January 1st 2016 respectively. This study was carried out using a dual frequency ground based GNSS observations at high latitude (NYAL: 78.56oN, 11.52oE) ionospheric station in Norway. The vertical TEC (VTEC) was extracted from Receiver Independent Exchange (RINEX) formatted GPS-TEC data using the GOPI Software developed by Seemala Gopi. The GOPI software is a GNSS-TEC analysis program which uses ephemeris data and differential code biases (DCBs) in estimating slant TEC (STEC) prior to its conversion to VTEC. From the results, the responses of the high latitude before the storm days were more positive than on the storm days. Also the overall response of the high latitude to the full halo geomagnetic storm was more positive with more impact than that of the partial halo geomagnetic storm.

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (14) ◽  
pp. 2200
Author(s):  
Chao Gao ◽  
Shuanggen Jin ◽  
Liangliang Yuan

Geomagnetic storms are extreme space weather events, which have considerable impacts on the ionosphere and power transmission systems. In this paper, the ionospheric responses to the geomagnetic storm on 22 June 2015, are analyzed from ground-based and satellite-based Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) observations as well as observational data of digital ionosondes, and the main physical mechanisms of the ionospheric disturbances observed during the geomagnetic storm are discussed. Salient positive and negative storms are observed from vertical total electron content (VTEC) based on ground-based GNSS observations at different stages of the storm. Combining topside observations of Low-Earth-Orbit (LEO) satellites (GRACE and MetOp satellites) with different orbital altitudes and corresponding ground-based observations, the ionospheric responses above and below the orbits are studied during the storm. To obtain VTEC from the slant TEC between Global Positioning System (GPS) and LEO satellites, we employ a multi-layer mapping function, which can effectively reduce the overall error caused by the single-layer geometric assumption where the horizontal gradient of the ionosphere is not considered. The results show that the topside observations of the GRACE satellite with a lower orbit can intuitively detect the impact caused by the fluctuation of the F2 peak height (hmF2). At the same time, the latitude range corresponding to the peak value of the up-looking VTEC on the event day becomes wider, which is the precursor of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA). However, no obvious response is observed in the up-looking VTEC from MetOp satellites with higher orbits, which indicates that the VTEC responses to the geomagnetic storm mainly take place below the orbit of MetOp satellites.


2021 ◽  
Vol 13 (18) ◽  
pp. 3552
Author(s):  
Beata Milanowska ◽  
Paweł Wielgosz ◽  
Anna Krypiak-Gregorczyk ◽  
Wojciech Jarmołowski

Global ionosphere maps (GIMs) representing ionospheric total electron content (TEC) are applicable in many scientific and engineering applications. However, the GIMs provided by seven Ionosphere Associated Analysis Centers (IAACs) are generated with different temporal resolutions and using different modeling techniques. In this study, we focused on the influence of map time interval on the empirical accuracy of these ionospheric products. We investigated performance of the high-resolution GIMs during high (2014) and low (2018) solar activity periods as well as under geomagnetic storms (19 February 2014 and 17 March 2015). In each of the analyzed periods, GIMs were also assessed over different geomagnetic latitudes. For the evaluation, we used direct comparison of GIM-derived slant TEC (STEC) with dual-frequency GNSS observations obtained from 18 globally distributed stations. In order to perform a comprehensive study, we also evaluated GIMs with respect to altimetry-derived vertical TEC (VTEC) obtained from the Jason-2 and Jason-3 satellites. The study confirmed the influence of GIMs time interval on the provided TEC accuracy, which was particularly evident during high solar activity, geomagnetic storms, and also at low latitudes. The results show that 120-min interval contributes significantly to the accuracy degradation, whereas 60-min one is sufficient to maintain TEC accuracy.


2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangdong An ◽  
Xiaolin Meng ◽  
Hua Chen ◽  
Weiping Jiang ◽  
Ruijie Xi ◽  
...  

With the emergence of BeiDou and Galileo as well as the modernization of GPS and GLONASS, more available satellites and signals enhance the capability of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) to monitor the ionosphere. However, currently the International GNSS Service (IGS) Ionosphere Associate Analysis Centers (IAACs) just use GPS and GLONASS dual-frequency observations in ionosphere estimation. To better determine the global ionosphere, we used multi-frequency, multi-constellation GNSS observations and a priori International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) to model the ionosphere. The newly estimated ionosphere was represented by a spherical harmonic expansion function with degree and order of 15 in a solar-geomagnetic frame. By collecting more than 300 stations with a global distribution, we processed and analysed two years of data. The estimated ionospheric results were compared with those of IAACs, and the averaged Root Mean Squares (RMS) of Total Electron Content (TEC) differences for different solutions did not exceed 3 TEC Unit (TECU). Through validation by satellite altimetry, it was suggested that the newly established ionosphere had a higher precision than the IGS products. Moreover, compared with IGS ionospheric products, the newly established ionosphere showed a more accurate response to the ionosphere disturbances during the geomagnetic storms.


2009 ◽  
Vol 27 (4) ◽  
pp. 1613-1623 ◽  
Author(s):  
W. Zhang ◽  
D. H. Zhang ◽  
Z. Xiao

Abstract. An algorithm has been developed to derive the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) and to estimate the resulting instrumental biases in Global Positioning System (GPS) data from measurements made with a single receiver. The algorithm assumes that the TEC is identical at any point within a mesh and that the GPS instrumental biases do not vary within a day. We present some results obtained using the algorithm and a study of the characteristics of the instrumental biases during active geomagnetic periods. The deviations of the TEC during an ionospheric storm (induced by a geomagnetic storm), compared to the quiet ionosphere, typically result in severe fluctuations in the derived GPS instrumental biases. Based on the analysis of three ionospheric storm events, we conclude that different kinds of ionospheric storms have differing influences on the measured biases of GPS satellites and receivers. We find that the duration of severe ionospheric storms is the critical factor that adversely impacts the estimation of GPS instrumental biases. Large deviations in the TEC can produce inaccuracies in the estimation of GPS instrumental biases for the satellites that pass over the receiver during that period. We also present a semi quantitative analysis of the duration of the influence of the storm.


2012 ◽  
Vol 55 (2) ◽  
Author(s):  
Zheng Li ◽  
Fengsi Wei ◽  
Xueshang Feng ◽  
Jianpeng Guo ◽  
Barbara A Emery ◽  
...  

<p>We investigate the variations in the ionosphere during a small geomagnetic storm on June 23, 2000, using the total electron content of the Jet Propulsion Laboratory global positioning system, and the ionospheric critical frequency. Large and long-lasting reductions in the daytime electron density were observed at mid-latitudes in the northern hemisphere by ionosondes. These reductions reached 30% to 40% compared to the 27-day median value. At the same time, a transformation from similar large positive storm effects to negative storm effects was observed in the northern hemisphere by the global positioning system receivers. The geomagnetic disturbance was very weak from June 23-25, 2000, as the SYM-H index was &gt;−40 nT and ASY-H was &lt;90 nT. Of note, during this case there were neither long-lasting southward IMF Bz nor strong positive IMF By components, where a large positive IMF By might be the main reason for ionospheric storms during minor geomagnetic disturbances [Goncharenko et al. 2006]. We confirm a 13-h enhanced energy input from the disturbed solar wind by calculation of the Borovsky, Akasofu and Newell coupling functions, the global auroral precipitation, and the Joule heating. We suggest this enhanced energy input as the main cause of these intense ionospheric storms, although the maximum of the energy input was not large. In addition, we propose that the Newell coupling function might be more suitable for reflecting the energy transfer from the disturbed solar wind to the magnetosphere under weak geomagnetic activity.</p>


Author(s):  
Adil Hussain ◽  
Munawar Shah

The international reference ionosphere (IRI) models have been widely used for correcting the ionospheric scintillations at different altitude levels. An evaluation on the performance of VTEC correction from IRI models (version 2007, 2012 and 2016) over Sukkur, Pakistan (27.71º N, 68.85º E) is presented in this work. Total Electron Content (TEC) from IRI models and GPS in 2019 over Sukkur region are compared. The main aim of this comparative analysis is to improve the VTEC in low latitude Sukkur, Pakistan. Moreover, this study will also help us to identify the credible IRI model for the correction of Global Positioning System (GPS) signal in low latitude region in future. The development of more accurate TEC finds useful applications in enhancing the extent to which ionospheric influences on radio signals are corrected. VTEC from GPS and IRI models are collected between May 1, 2019 and May 3, 2019. Additionally, Dst and Kp data are also compared in this work to estimate the geomagnetic storm variations. This study shows a good correlation of 0.83 between VTEC of GPS and IRI 2016. Furthermore, a correlation of 0.82 and 0.78 is also recorded for IRI 2012 and IRI 2007 respectively, with VTEC of GPS. The IRI TEC predictions and GPS-TEC measurements for the studied days reveal the potential of IRI model as a good candidate over Pakistan.


2021 ◽  
Vol 0 (0) ◽  
Author(s):  
Alaa A. Elghazouly ◽  
Mohamed I. Doma ◽  
Ahmed A. Sedeek

Abstract Due to the ionosphere delay, which has become the dominant GPS error source, it is crucial to remove the ionospheric effect before estimating point coordinates. Therefore, different agencies started to generate daily Global Ionosphere Maps (GIMs); the Vertical Total Electron Content (VTEC) values represented in GIMs produced by several providers can be used to remove the ionosphere error from observations. In this research, An analysis will be carried with three sources for VTEC maps produced by the Center for Orbit Determination in Europe (CODE), Regional TEC Mapping (RTM), and the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI). The evaluation is focused on the effects of a specific ionosphere GIM correction on the precise point positioning (PPP) solutions. Two networks were considered. The first network consists of seven Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers from (IGS) global stations. The selected test days are six days, three of them quiet, and three other days are stormy to check the influence of geomagnetic storms on relative kinematic positioning solutions. The second network is a regional network in Egypt. The results show that the calculated coordinates using the three VTEC map sources are far from each other on stormy days rather than on quiet days. Also, the standard deviation values are large on stormy days compared to those on quiet days. Using CODE and RTM IONEX file produces the most precise coordinates after that the values of IRI. The elimination of ionospheric biases over the estimated lengths of many baselines up to 1000 km has resulted in positive findings, which show the feasibility of the suggested assessment procedure.


Sensors ◽  
2019 ◽  
Vol 19 (24) ◽  
pp. 5489 ◽  
Author(s):  
Wei Li ◽  
Longqiang Huang ◽  
Shaocheng Zhang ◽  
Yanju Chai

As global navigation satellite system (GNSS)stations are sparsely distributed in oceanic area, oceanic areas usually have lower precision than continental areas on a global ionosphere maps (GIM). On the other hand, space-borne observations like satellite altimetry (SA) and ionospheric radio occultation (IRO) have substantial dual-frequency observations in oceanic areas, which could be used for total electron content (TEC) retrieval. In this paper, the Jason-2 SA and Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) IRO products were used to assess the precision of IGS GIM products. Both the systematic biases and scaling factors between the international GNSS service (IGS) GIM TEC and space-borne TEC were calculated, and the statistical results show that the biases and the scaling factors obviously vary under different temporal-spatial conditions. This analysis shows that these differences are variable with diurnal and latitude factors, that is, the differences in biases during the day time are higher than those during the night time, and larger biases are experienced at lower latitude areas than at high latitude areas. The results also show that in the southern hemisphere middle-high latitude area and some other central oceanic areas, the space-borne TEC values are even higher than GIM TEC values. As the precision of space-borne TEC should be evenly distributed around different areas on Earth, it can be explain that the TEC in these areas is undervalued by the current GIM model, and the space-borne SA and IRO techniques could be used as complementary observations to improve the accuracy and reliability of TEC values in these areas.


2017 ◽  
Vol 35 (6) ◽  
pp. 1309-1326 ◽  
Author(s):  
Patricia Mara de Siqueira Negreti ◽  
Eurico Rodrigues de Paula ◽  
Claudia Maria Nicoli Candido

Abstract. Total electron content (TEC) is extensively used to monitor the ionospheric behavior under geomagnetically quiet and disturbed conditions. This subject is of greatest importance for space weather applications. Under disturbed conditions the two main sources of electric fields, which are responsible for changes in the plasma drifts and for current perturbations, are the short-lived prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) and the longer-lasting ionospheric disturbance dynamo (DD) electric fields. Both mechanisms modulate the TEC around the globe and the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) at low latitudes. In this work we computed vertical absolute TEC over the low latitude of South America. The analysis was performed considering HILDCAA (high-intensity, long-duration, continuous auroral electrojet (AE) activity) events and geomagnetic storms. The characteristics of storm-time TEC and HILDCAA-associated TEC will be presented and discussed. For both case studies presented in this work (March and August 2013) the HILDCAA event follows a geomagnetic storm, and then a global scenario of geomagnetic disturbances will be discussed. Solar wind parameters, geomagnetic indices, O ∕ N2 ratios retrieved by GUVI instrument onboard the TIMED satellite and TEC observations will be analyzed and discussed. Data from the RBMC/IBGE (Brazil) and IGS GNSS networks were used to calculate TEC over South America. We show that a HILDCAA event may generate larger TEC differences compared to the TEC observed during the main phase of the precedent geomagnetic storm; thus, a HILDCAA event may be more effective for ionospheric response in comparison to moderate geomagnetic storms, considering the seasonal conditions. During the August HILDCAA event, TEC enhancements from  ∼  25 to 80 % (compared to quiet time) were observed. These enhancements are much higher than the quiet-time variability observed in the ionosphere. We show that ionosphere is quite sensitive to solar wind forcing and considering the events studied here, this was the most important source of ionospheric responses. Furthermore, the most important source of TEC changes were the long-lasting PPEFs observed on August 2013, during the HILDCAA event. The importance of this study relies on the peculiarity of the region analyzed characterized by high declination angle and ionospheric gradients which are responsible for creating a complex response during disturbed periods.


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