IRI-2001 model predictions compared with ionospheric data observed at Brazilian low latitude stations

F Bertoni,J R Abalde,P R Fagundes,Y Sahai,W L C Lima,V G Pillat,F Becker-Guedes

doi:10.5194/angeo-24-2191-2006

F Bertoni, J R Abalde + Show 5 more

Open Access

https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-24-2191-2006

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Abstract

Abstract. In this work, the F-region critical frequency (foF2) and peak height (hmF2) measured by digital ionosondes at two Brazilian low-latitude stations, namely Palmas (10.17° S, 48.20° W, dip –10.80°) and São José dos Campos (23.20° S, 45.86° W, dip –38.41°), are compared with the IRI-2001 model predictions. The comparison at the latter station shows quite a reasonable agreement for both parameters. The former station exhibits a better agreement for hmF2 than for foF2. In general, the model generates good results, although some improvements are still necessary to implement in order to obtain better simulations for equatorial ionospheric regions.

Highlights

A large number of papers deal with the comparisons between observed ionospheric data and the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model predictions (e.g. Abdu et al, 1996; Batista et al, 1996; Souza et al, 2003; Sethi et al, 2004; Batista and Abdu, 2004)
Two different computer programs have been used as sub-routines by IRI: one is called the CCIR model, which was developed by Comite Consultatif International des Radiocommunications (CCIR, 1967 and 1991); and the other is the URSI model, which was developed by Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale (URSI)
In October 2003, between 13:00 and 19:00 UT, no significant difference between ionization over those two locations is observed, and it is noticeable that the CCIR and URSI IRI-2001 simulations have underestimated the foF2 values for PAL, apparently due to the same characteristic asymmetry caused by the magnetic meridional wind patterns

Summary

Introduction

A large number of papers deal with the comparisons between observed ionospheric data and the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model predictions (e.g. Abdu et al, 1996; Batista et al, 1996; Souza et al, 2003; Sethi et al, 2004; Batista and Abdu, 2004).

Results

Conclusion