Abstract
A technique to reconstruct the electron density of the ionosphere starting from total electron content values has been developed using the NeQuick ionospheric electron density model driven by its effective ionization parameter Az. The technique is based on the computation of Az values for a suitable worldwide grid of points. A simple way to obtain relevant Az grids is to use global vertical Total Electron Content (TEC) maps to define for each grid point as Az value, the one that minimizes the difference between the experimental and the modeled vertical TEC. Having a global grid of Az values it is possible to compute the electron density at any point in the ionosphere using NeQuick. As a consequence, slant TEC values for specific ground station to satellite links or ionosphere peak parameter values at any location can be calculated. The results of the comparisons between experimental and reconstructed slant TEC as well as experimental and reconstructed peak parameters values indicate that the proposed reconstruction method can be used to reproduce the observed ionosphere in a realistic way.
Highlights
Like other empirical ionospheric models (e.g., International Reference Ionosphere - IRI: Bilitza, 2001) NeQuick has been conceived to reproduce median values of the ionosphere electron density
In order to improve its capabilities to describe the ionosphere for actual conditions, a technique based on experimental Total Electron Content (TEC) data ingestion into the model has been developed
An exhaustive analysis is given in (Miró Amarante et al, 2003) and, as a further example, the comparison between hourly foF2 measured at the locations indicated in table II on 27 March 2000 and the same values reconstructed with NeQuick model driven by Az grids derived from La Plata maps is presented in fig
Summary
Like other empirical ionospheric models (e.g., International Reference Ionosphere - IRI: Bilitza, 2001) NeQuick has been conceived to reproduce median values of the ionosphere electron density. In order to improve its capabilities to describe the ionosphere for actual conditions, a technique based on experimental Total Electron Content (TEC) data ingestion into the model has been developed. It must be noted that other techniques to reconstruct the electron density of the ionosphere have been developed. They are of different complexity and can rely on several kinds of models. The proposed reconstruction method aims to be simpler, being based on the use of an empirical electron density model and it foresees the ingestion of only TEC data that, for instance, are the most widely available ionospheric data
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
