Ionospheric F-layer global scintillation index variation using COSMIC during the period of 2007–2013

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The three-dimensional global morphology and seasonal characteristics of the ionospheric scintillation index of the F-layer between 150 and 550 km altitudes are analyzed using the GPS radio occultation measurements from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere and Climate during the 7-year period of low and high sunspot activity from 2007 to 2013. The results show that the prominent scintillation intensity, which is confined within ±30° geomagnetic latitude, starts at post-sunset, reaches a maximum at around pre-midnight, and often persists until postmidnight. Moderate scintillation activity can be observed in the high-latitude region almost at any time, whereas weak scintillation prevails in the midlatitude region. The noticeable scintillation peak near midnight occurs at an altitude of approximately 250 km in most cases. However, the peak of the scintillation activity during the solar maximum extends to higher altitudes than observed during the solar minimum. Additionally, the local variation in time and altitude of the scintillation intensity is closely correlated with ionospheric HmF2. Statistical analysis indicates that an increase in solar activity or geomagnetic activity enhances the occurrence rate of scintillation and results in intense scintillation. The current research is beneficial for directly studying global ionospheric irregularities at GHz frequency based on high-rate L1 data and constructing a global scintillation model.