Abstract
Accurate models of the ionospheric F2 layer are required for many applications dependent on the propagation of radio waves through the ionosphere, such as over-the-horizon (OTH) radar, high frequency (HF) communications, global navigation satellite systems (GNSS), and low-frequency radio astronomy. CLIMF2 is a new model of the ionospheric F2 layer parameters, foF2 and hmF2, which provides the variance in these parameters as well as the median, and can be used in conjunction with IRI. Currently available climatological models are only able to provide the monthly median and so CLIMF2 represents a significant enhancement to climatological modelling of the ionosphere. An assessment of the performance of the CLIMF2 monthly median results against vertical incidence sounder (VIS) observations and a comparison against IRI are presented in this paper. The models of foF2 and hmF2 in CLIMF2 and IRI perform relatively similarly, with improvement provided by CLIMF2 especially at times around sunrise. An assessment of the CLIMF2 tenth and ninetieth percentile foF2 and hmF2 values against VIS data is also presented.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
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 call
