scholarly journals Ionospheric tomography by gradient-enhanced kriging with STEC measurements and ionosonde characteristics

2016 ◽  
Vol 34 (11) ◽  
pp. 999-1010 ◽  
Author(s):  
David Minkwitz ◽  
Karl Gerald van den Boogaart ◽  
Tatjana Gerzen ◽  
Mainul Hoque ◽  
Manuel Hernández-Pajares
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Likelihood Estimation ◽  
Peak Height ◽  
Initial Guess ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Covariance Model ◽  
Spatial Covariance ◽  
International Gnss Service ◽  
Total Electron

Abstract. The estimation of the ionospheric electron density by kriging is based on the optimization of a parametric measurement covariance model. First, the extension of kriging with slant total electron content (STEC) measurements based on a spatial covariance to kriging with a spatial–temporal covariance model, assimilating STEC data of a sliding window, is presented. Secondly, a novel tomography approach by gradient-enhanced kriging (GEK) is developed. Beyond the ingestion of STEC measurements, GEK assimilates ionosonde characteristics, providing peak electron density measurements as well as gradient information. Both approaches deploy the 3-D electron density model NeQuick as a priori information and estimate the covariance parameter vector within a maximum likelihood estimation for the dedicated tomography time stamp. The methods are validated in the European region for two periods covering quiet and active ionospheric conditions. The kriging with spatial and spatial–temporal covariance model is analysed regarding its capability to reproduce STEC, differential STEC and foF2. Therefore, the estimates are compared to the NeQuick model results, the 2-D TEC maps of the International GNSS Service and the DLR's Ionospheric Monitoring and Prediction Center, and in the case of foF2 to two independent ionosonde stations. Moreover, simulated STEC and ionosonde measurements are used to investigate the electron density profiles estimated by the GEK in comparison to a kriging with STEC only. The results indicate a crucial improvement in the initial guess by the developed methods and point out the potential compensation for a bias in the peak height hmF2 by means of GEK.

scholarly journals Tomography of the ionospheric electron density with geostatistical inversion

2015 ◽  
Vol 33 (8) ◽  
pp. 1071-1079 ◽  
Author(s):  
D. Minkwitz ◽  
K. G. van den Boogaart ◽  
T. Gerzen ◽  
M. Hoque
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Signal Propagation ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Covariance Model ◽  
Spatial Covariance ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Simple Kriging ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite

Abstract. In relation to satellite applications like global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) and remote sensing, the electron density distribution of the ionosphere has significant influence on trans-ionospheric radio signal propagation. In this paper, we develop a novel ionospheric tomography approach providing the estimation of the electron density's spatial covariance and based on a best linear unbiased estimator of the 3-D electron density. Therefore a non-stationary and anisotropic covariance model is set up and its parameters are determined within a maximum-likelihood approach incorporating GNSS total electron content measurements and the NeQuick model as background. As a first assessment this 3-D simple kriging approach is applied to a part of Europe. We illustrate the estimated covariance model revealing the different correlation lengths in latitude and longitude direction and its non-stationarity. Furthermore, we show promising improvements of the reconstructed electron densities compared to the background model through the validation of the ionosondes Rome, Italy (RO041), and Dourbes, Belgium (DB049), with electron density profiles for 1 day.

scholarly journals IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES OVER EASTERN SIBERIA DURING APRIL 12–15, 2016 GEOMAGNETIC STORMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 75-85
Author(s):  
Aleksandr Rubtsov ◽  
Boris Maletckii ◽  
Ekaterina Danilchuk ◽  
Ekaterina Smotrova ◽  
Aleksei Shelkov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Geomagnetic Storms ◽  
Peak Height ◽  
Negative Response ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Ionospheric Disturbances ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Optical Instruments

We present the results of the complex study of ionospheric parameter variations during two geomagnetic storms, which occurred on April 12–15, 2016. The study is based on data from a set of radiophysical and optical instruments. Both the storms with no sudden commencement were generated by high-speed streams from a coronal hole. Despite the minor intensity of the storms (Dst ≥ –55 and –59 nT), we have revealed a distinct ionospheric response to these disturbances. A negative response of electron density and F2-layer critical frequency was observed during the main phase of both the storms. The amplitude of the negative response was higher for the second storm. The period of negative electron density deviations was accompanied by an increase in the peak height, as well as by the downward plasma drift in the evening and night hours, which is not typical of quiet conditions. We have also recorded sharp peaks in the AATR (Along Arc TEC Rate) index and in total electron content noise spikes on average 2–2.5 times. This indicates an intensification of small-scale ionospheric disturbances caused by disturbed geomagnetic conditions and high substorm activity.

scholarly journals Modelling Global Ionosphere Based on Multi-Frequency, Multi-Constellation GNSS Observations and IRI Model

2020 ◽  
Vol 12 (3) ◽  
pp. 439 ◽  
Author(s):  
Xiangdong An ◽  
Xiaolin Meng ◽  
Hua Chen ◽  
Weiping Jiang ◽  
Ruijie Xi ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Geomagnetic Storms ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Dual Frequency ◽  
International Gnss Service ◽  
Iri Model ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Gnss Observations

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.

scholarly journals Behaviour of electron content in the ionospheric D-region during solar X-ray flares

2016 ◽  
pp. 11-18 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Todorovic-Drakul ◽  
V.M. Cadez ◽  
J. Bajcetic ◽  
L.C. Popovic ◽  
D. Blagojevic ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
A Priori ◽  
Low Frequency ◽  
Satellite System ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
High Electron ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
X Ray ◽  
Practical Applications ◽  
D Region

One of the most important parameters in ionospheric plasma research, also having a wide practical application in wireless satellite telecommunications, is the total electron content (TEC) representing the columnal electron number density. The F-region with high electron density provides the biggest contribution to TEC while the relatively weakly ionized plasma of the D-region (60 km { 90 km above Earth's surface) is often considered as a negligible cause of satellite signal disturbances. However, sudden intensive ionization processes, like those induced by solar X-ray flares, can cause relative increases of electron density that are significantly larger in the D-region than in regions at higher altitudes. Therefore, one cannot exclude a priori the D-region from investigations of ionospheric influences on propagation of electromagnetic signals emitted by satellites. We discuss here this problem which has not been sufficiently treated in literature so far. The obtained results are based on data collected from the D-region monitoring by very low frequency radio waves and on vertical TEC calculations from the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) signal analyses, and they show noticeable variations in the D-region's electron content (TECD) during activity of a solar X-ray ?are (it rises by a factor of 136 in the considered case) when TECD contribution to TEC can reach several percent and which cannot be neglected in practical applications like global positioning procedures by satellites.

scholarly journals Ionosonde Total Electron Content Evaluation Using IGS Data

2019 ◽  
Author(s):  
Telmo dos Santos Klipp ◽  
Adriano Petry ◽  
Gabriel Sandim Falcão ◽  
Jonas Rodrigues de Souza ◽  
Eurico Rodrigues de Paula ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Total Electron Content ◽  
Confidence Score ◽  
Transition Function ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Maximum Height ◽  
Vertical Total Electron Content ◽  
International Gnss Service ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Account Electron

Abstract. In this work, a period of two years (2016–2017) of vertical total electron content (VTEC) from ionosondes operating in Brazil is compared to the International GNSS Service (IGS) data. Sounding instruments from National Institute for Space Research (INPE) provided the ionograms used, which were filtered based on confidence score (CS) and C-level flags evaluation. Differences between TEC from IGS maps and ionograms were accumulated in terms of root mean square error (RMSE). It has been noticed the TEC values provided by ionograms are systematically underestimated, which is attributed to a limitation in the electron density modeled for the ionogram topside that considers maximum height only around 800–900 Km, while IGS takes in account electron density from GNSS stations up to the satellite network orbits. The ionogram topside profiles covering the plasmasphere were re-modeled using an adaptive alpha-Chapman exponential decay that includes a transition function between the F2 layer and plasmasphere, and electron density integration height was extended to compute TEC. Chapman parameters for the F2 layer were extracted from each ionogram, and plasmaspheric scale height was set to 10,000 Km. Our analysis has shown the plasmaspheric basis electron density, assumed to be proportional to the electron peak density, plays an important role to reduce the RMSE values. Depending on the proportionality coefficient choice, mean RMSE reached a minimum of 5.32 TECU, that is 23 % lower than initial ionograms TEC errors.

scholarly journals Regional representation of F2 Chapman parameters based on electron density profiles

2013 ◽  
Vol 31 (12) ◽  
pp. 2215-2227 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. Limberger ◽  
W. Liang ◽  
M. Schmidt ◽  
D. Dettmering ◽  
U. Hugentobler
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Real Data ◽  
Peak Height ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Density Profiles ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Maximum Electron Density ◽  
Spatio Temporal ◽  
Electron Density Profiles ◽  
Model Approach

Abstract. Understanding the physical processes within the ionosphere is a key requirement to improve and extend ionospheric modeling approaches. The determination of meaningful parameters to describe the vertical electron density distribution and how they are influenced by the solar activity is an important topic in ionospheric research. In this regard, the F2 layer of the ionosphere plays a key role as it contains the highest concentration of electrons and ions. In this contribution, the maximum electron density NmF2, peak height hmF2 and scale height HF2 of the F2 layer are determined by employing a model approach for regional applications realized by the combination of endpoint-interpolating polynomial B splines with an adapted physics-motivated Chapman layer. For this purpose, electron density profiles derived from ionospheric GPS radio occultation measurements of the satellite missions FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC, GRACE and CHAMP have been successfully exploited. Profiles contain electron density observations at discrete spots, in contrast to the commonly used integrated total electron content from GNSS, and therefore are highly sensitive to obtaining the required information of the vertical electron density structure. The spatio-temporal availability of profiles is indeed rather sparse, but the model approach meets all requirements to combine observation techniques implicating the mutual support of the measurements concerning accuracy, sensitivity and data resolution. For the model initialization and to bridge observation gaps, the International Reference Ionosphere 2007 is applied. Validations by means of simulations and selected real data scenarios show that this model approach has significant potential and the ability to yield reliable results.

scholarly journals IONOSPHERIC DISTURBANCES OVER EASTERN SIBERIA DURING APRIL 12–15, 2016 GEOMAGNETIC STORMS

2020 ◽  
Vol 6 (1) ◽  
pp. 60-68
Author(s):  
Aleksandr Rubtsov ◽  
Boris Maletckii ◽  
Ekaterina Danilchuk ◽  
Ekaterina Smotrova ◽  
Aleksei Shelkov ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
High Speed ◽  
Geomagnetic Storms ◽  
Peak Height ◽  
Negative Response ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Ionospheric Disturbances ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Optical Instruments

We present the results of the complex study of ionospheric parameter variations during two geomagnetic storms, which occurred on April 12–15, 2016. The study is based on data from a set of radiophysical and optical instruments. Both the storms with no sudden commencement were generated by high-speed streams from a coronal hole. Despite the minor intensity of the storms (Dst ≥ –55 and –59 nT), we have revealed a distinct ionospheric response to these disturbances. A negative response of electron density and F2-layer critical frequency was observed during the main phase of both the storms. The amplitude of the negative response was higher for the second storm. The period of negative electron density deviations was accompanied by an increase in the peak height, as well as by the downward plasma drift in the evening and night hours, which is not typical of quiet conditions. We have also recorded sharp peaks in the AATR (Along Arc TEC Rate) index and in total electron content noise spikes on average 2–2.5 times. This indicates an intensification of small-scale ionospheric disturbances caused by disturbed geomagnetic conditions and high substorm activity.

scholarly journals A new climatological electron density model for supporting space weather services

2021 ◽  
Author(s):  
M Mainul Hoque ◽  
Norbert Jakowski ◽  
Fabricio S. Prol
Keyword(s):  
Electron Density ◽  
Space Weather ◽  
Peak Height ◽  
Density Model ◽  
Solar Irradiation ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
In Situ Data ◽  
Van Allen Probes

The ionosphere is the ionized part of the Earth atmosphere, ranging from about 60 km up to several Earth radii whereas the upper part above about 1000 km height up to the plasmapause is usually called the plasmasphere. We present a new three-dimensional electron density model aiming for supporting space weather services and mitigation of propagation errors for trans-ionospheric signals. The model is developed by superposing the Neustrelitz Plasmasphere Model (NPSM) to an ionosphere model composed of separate F and E-layer distributions. It uses the Neustrelitz TEC model (NTCM), Neustrelitz Peak Density Model (NPDM) and the Neustrelitz Peak Height Model (NPHM) for the total electron content (TEC), peak ionization and peak height information. These models describe the spatial and temporal variability of the key parameters as function of local time, geographic/geomagnetic location, solar irradiation and activity. The model is particularly developed to calculate the electron concentration at any given location and time in the ionosphere for trans-ionospheric applications and named as the Neustrelitz Electron Density Model (NEDM2020). A comprehensive validation study is conducted against electron density in-situ data from DMSP and Swarm, Van Allen Probes and ICON missions, and topside TEC data from COSMIC/FORMOSAT-3 mission, bottom side TEC data from TOPEX/Poseidon mission and ground-based TEC data from International GNSS Service (IGS) covering both high and low solar activity conditions. Additionally, the model performance is compared with the 3D electron density model NeQuick2. Our investigation shows that the NEDM2020 performs better than the NeQuick2 when compared with the in-situ data from Van Allen Probes and ICON satellites and TEC data from COSMIC and TOPEX/Poseidon missions. When compared with DMSP and IGS TEC data both NEDM2020 and NeQuick2 perform very similarly.

scholarly journals Estimation and Analysis of GNSS Differential Code Biases (DCBs) Using a Multi-Spacing Software Receiver

Sensors ◽  
2021 ◽  
Vol 21 (2) ◽  
pp. 443
Author(s):  
Ye Wang ◽  
Lin Zhao ◽  
Yang Gao
Keyword(s):  
Primary Source ◽  
Intermediate Frequency ◽  
Global Navigation Satellite Systems ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Software Receiver ◽  
International Gnss Service ◽  
Total Electron ◽  
Satellite Systems ◽  
Differential Code Biases ◽  
Gnss Observations

In the use of global navigation satellite systems (GNSS) to monitor ionosphere variations by estimating total electron content (TEC), differential code biases (DCBs) in GNSS measurements are a primary source of errors. Satellite DCBs are currently estimated and broadcast to users by International GNSS Service (IGS) using a network of GNSS hardware receivers which are inside structure fixed. We propose an approach for satellite DCB estimation using a multi-spacing GNSS software receiver to analyze the influence of the correlator spacing on satellite DCB estimates and estimate satellite DCBs based on different correlator spacing observations from the software receiver. This software receiver-based approach is called multi-spacing DCB (MSDCB) estimation. In the software receiver approach, GNSS observations with different correlator spacings from intermediate frequency datasets can be generated. Since each correlator spacing allows the software receiver to output observations like a local GNSS receiver station, GNSS observations from different correlator spacings constitute a network of GNSS receivers, which makes it possible to use a single software receiver to estimate satellite DCBs. By comparing the MSDCBs to the IGS DCB products, the results show that the proposed correlator spacing flexible software receiver is able to predict satellite DCBs with increased flexibility and cost-effectiveness than the current hardware receiver-based DCB estimation approach.

scholarly journals Evidence of gravity waves into the atmosphere during the March 2006 total solar eclipse

2007 ◽  
Vol 7 (18) ◽  
pp. 4943-4951 ◽  
Author(s):  
C. S. Zerefos ◽  
E. Gerasopoulos ◽  
I. Tsagouri ◽  
B. E. Psiloglou ◽  
A. Belehaki ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Relative Humidity ◽  
Electron Density ◽  
Gravity Waves ◽  
Solar Eclipse ◽  
Stratospheric Ozone ◽  
Thermal Fluctuations ◽  
Ozone Layer ◽  
Total Solar Eclipse ◽  
Electron Content ◽  
Total Electron

Abstract. This study aims at providing experimental evidence, to support the hypothesis according to which the movement of the moon's shadow sweeping the ozone layer at supersonic speed, during a solar eclipse, creates gravity waves in the atmosphere. An experiment was conducted to study eclipse induced thermal fluctuations in the ozone layer (via measurements of total ozone column, ozone photolysis rates and UV irradiance), the ionosphere (Ionosonde Total Electron Content – ITEC, peak electron density height – hmF2), and the troposphere (temperature, relative humidity), before, during and after the total solar eclipse of 29 March 2006. We found the existence of eclipse induced dominant oscillations in the parameters related to the ozone layer and the ionosphere, with periods ranging between 30–40 min. Cross-spectrum analyses resulted to statistically significant square coherences between the observed oscillations, strengthening thermal stratospheric ozone forcing as the main mechanism for GWs. Additional support for a source below the ionosphere was provided by the amplitude of the oscillations in the ionospheric electron density, which increased upwards from 160 to 220 km height. Even though similar oscillations were shown in surface temperature and relative humidity data, no clear evidence for tropospheric influence could be derived from this study, due to the modest amplitude of these waves and the manifold rationale inside the boundary layer.

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