Spatial distribution of the errors in modeling the mid-latitude critical frequencies by different models

Abstract

There are some models [2, 3, 5, 7] that describe the spatial distribution of greatest frequency yielding reflection from the F2 ionospheric layer (foF2). However, the distribution of the models' errors over the globe and how they depend on seasons, solar activity, etc., are unknown till this time. So the aim of the present paper is to compare the accuracy in describing the latitudinal and longitudinal variation of the mid-latitude maximum electron density, of CCIR, URSI, and a new created theoretical model [4]. A comparison between the above mentioned models and all available from Boulder's data bank VI data (among 35° and 70°) have been made. Data for three whole years with different solar activity - 1976 ( F 10.7 = 73.6), 1981 ( F 10.7 = 20.6), 1983 ( F 10.7 = 119.6) have been compared. The final results show that: 1. the areas with greatest and smallest errors depend on UT, season and solar activity; 2. the error distribution of CCIR and URSI models are very similar and are not coincident with these ones of theoretical model. The last result indicates that the theoretical model, described briefly bellow, may be a real alternative to the empirical CCIR and URSI models. The different spatial distribution of the models' errors gives a chance for the users to choose the most appropriate model, depending on their needs. Taking into account that the theoretical models have equal accuracy in region with many or without any ionosonde station, this result shows that our model can be used to improve the global mapping of the mid-latitude ionosphere. Moreover, if Re values of the input aeronomical parameters (neutral composition, temperatures and winds), are used - it may be expected that this theoretical model can be applied for Re or almost Re-time mapping of the main ionospheric parameters (foF2 and hmF2).