Modeling and Ground Observations of the Ionosphere Related to the COSMIC Project

Jann-Yenq Liu,Yen -Hsyang Chu,Lung-Chih Tsai,Chien-Ming Huang,Ming-Quey Chen

doi:10.3319/tao.2000.11.1.349(cosmic)

Abstract

Ground observations have been used to study the ionosphere by providing electron density profiles and TEC distribution. In this paper, the existing ground and space facilities related to constructing the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) Project are reviewed. We show that these observations can be employed to validate results derived from COSMIC satellites. In addition, the NCAR TIEGCM model is introduced to simulate ionosphere TEC during year of the solar minimum. The observations and simulations present a clear signature of the equatorial anomaly, in which the TEC shows a minimum on the magnetic equator and a maximum on each side. Meanwhile, it is interesting to see that the value of TEC in June (Day 170) becomes weaker with the crests moving toward the geomagnetic equator.

Highlights

Ionospheric observations and research in Taiwan have been carried out for more than 45 years
There fore, this paper reviews the ground/space base observations and modeling study related to the COSMIC project, and their applications to the equatorial anomaly ionosphere
The ground observations of ionosphere related to the COSMIC Project in Taiwan are reviewed

Summary

INTRODUCTION

Ionospheric observations and research in Taiwan have been carried out for more than 45 years. In 2003, the National Space Program Office (NSPO) of the Republic of China plans to launch eight small low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellites, each with an altitude of 700-800 km and an inclination angle of 70° - 80°, and there will form a constella tion observing system for meteorology, ionosphere, and climate (COSMIC). This project will both stimulate ionospheric research in Taiwan and allow it to play a leading role in the world wide scientific community. There fore, this paper reviews the ground/space base observations and modeling study related to the COSMIC project, and their applications to the equatorial anomaly ionosphere

HISTORY

ELECTRON DENSITY PROFILE

Satelite name

ELECTRON DENSITY MAP

MODELING STUDY

SUMMARY