Solar Activity Conditions Research Articles

Study the behavior of the ionospheric frequencies at Karachi during three consecutive solar minima of cycle 21, 22 & 23 and their comparison with IRI-2016

The behavior of critical frequencies of ionospheric E and F2 layers (foE & foF2) along with minimum ionospheric frequency (fmin) is studied for solar minima of cycle 21 (1986), 22 (1996) and 23 (2008) over Karachi (24.95°N, 67.13°E), Pakistan. The station is located at the crest of equatorial ionization anomaly region. Beside seasonal differences, pronounced change in the values of frequencies is noted from one solar minimum to another solar minimum. A strong and direct correlation of foF2 with Smoothed Sunspot Number (SSN) and F10.7 cm solar flux is observed. In the minimum of cycle 23, reduction in foF2 is noted due to reduction of solar EUV as compared to other minima. Also disappearance of semi-annual variations in foF2 is noted in cycle 23 minimum. Unexpectedly higher values of foE and fmin are observed in minimum of cycle 23 as compared to other minima. It is difficult to explain this unusual behavior of fmin and foE along with disappearance of semi-annual variation in foF2. It is possible that during very low solar activity, thermospheric conditions are changed which in turn altered the ionosphere. Further investigation of atmosphere-ionosphere coupling is required to understand this complex behavior. On comparison of observed values with IRI-2016, higher deviations are observed in foE before noon hours while in case of foF2, large deviations are noted during daytime. The absence of foF2 semi-annual variation in cycle 23 is not reproduced by IRI-2016. It is suggested that IRI-2016 need some modification for extremely low solar activity condition.

An empirical model of the thermospheric mass density derived from CHAMP satellite

Abstract. In this study, we present an empirical model, named CH-Therm-2018, of the thermospheric mass density derived from 9-year (from August 2000 to July 2009) accelerometer measurements from the CHAllenging Mini-satellite Payload (CHAMP) satellite at altitudes from 460 to 310 km. The CHAMP dataset is divided into two 5-year periods with 1-year overlap (from August 2000 to July 2005 and from August 2004 to July 2009) to represent the high-to-moderate and moderate-to-low solar activity conditions, respectively. The CH-Therm-2018 model describes the thermospheric density as a function of seven key parameters, namely the height, solar flux index, season (day of year), magnetic local time, geographic latitude and longitude, as well as magnetic activity represented by the solar wind merging electric field. Predictions of the CH-Therm-2018 model agree well with CHAMP observations (within 20 %) and show different features of thermospheric mass density during the two solar activity levels, e.g., the March–September equinox asymmetry and the longitudinal wave pattern. From the analysis of satellite laser ranging (SLR) observations of the ANDE-Pollux satellite during August–September 2009, we estimate 6 h scaling factors of the thermospheric mass density provided by our model and obtain the median value equal to 1.267±0.60. Subsequently, we scale up our CH-Therm-2018 mass density predictions by a scale factor of 1.267. We further compare the CH-Therm-2018 predictions with the Naval Research Laboratory Mass Spectrometer Incoherent Scatter Radar Extended (NRLMSISE-00) model. The result shows that our model better predicts the density evolution during the last solar minimum (2008–2009) than the NRLMSISE-00 model.

Polar traveling ionospheric disturbances inferred with the B-spline method and associated scintillations in the Southern Hemisphere

A new method for analyzing travelling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) is developed by using two B-spline basis functions of degree 4 on the Total Electron Content (TEC) data from the ground-based Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. This method enhances the spatial resolution to about 0.1° (geographic latitude) × 0.1° (geographic longitude), which is useful in studying all scales (small, medium and large) TIDs. Using this method, we investigated TIDs and their associated scintillation on 18–19 July 2013 at Southern Hemisphere and found phase scintillation is more sensitive than amplitude scintillation to the TIDs at South Pole. To see the full impact of TIDs on scintillation, we have used a proxy phase scintillation index, calculated using geodetic GPS receivers over Antarctica. We have verified the presence of TIDs during these two days by using a Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)-TEC single station approach and SuperDARN slant range signals. Our results show the TEC fluctuations are associated with ionospheric scintillation. The shape of TIDs, their elongation and flattening along/across the geographic latitude/longitude, seems to be related to the magnitude and occurrence of ionospheric scintillations. Magnetospheric particle precipitation boost TEC gradients and generate stronger amplitude scintillation, however, large-scale plasma irregularities cause overall enhancement in magnitude of the phase scintillation index. Due to the high turbulence in the polar ionosphere, TIDs change their shapes quite quickly and/or may disappear in the background ionosphere. B-spline TIDs analysis method is very useful in identifying the visible as well as hidden TIDs parts in the polar ionosphere. For the first time, ionospheric scintillation has been investigated in the vicinity of TIDs at high- latitude in the southern hemisphere. Further, the presented B-spline TIDs analysis method is unique and simple in itself as it uses GPS receiver processed TEC data as the primary input. Our results show that at polar latitude it is not necessary that TIDs always appear near the high TEC regions. Usefulness of the B-spline TIDs detection method has been demonstrated in analyzing TIDs at all geographic locations and different solar activity conditions by comparing B-spline TIDs method produced results with the previous case studies.

Plasmaspheric Electron Content Inferred from Residuals between GNSS-Derived and TOPEX/JASON Vertical TEC Data

The plasmasphere, which is located above the ionosphere, is a significant component of Earth’s atmosphere, and the plasmasphere electron content (PEC) distribution is determined by different physical mechanisms to those of the ionosphere electron content (IEC). However, the observation for the PEC is very limited. In this study, we introduced a methodology (called zero assumption method, which is based on the assumption that PEC can reach zero) to extract the PEC over TOPEX/JASON (T/J) and global navigation satellite system (GNSS) overlapping areas. Results show that the daily systematic bias (T/J vertical TEC > GNSS-derived vertical TEC) for both low (2009) and high (2011) solar activity condition is consistent, and the systematic bias for JASON2 and JASON1 is different. We suggest that systematic biases predominantly arise from the sea state bias (SSB), especially the tracker bias. After removing the systematic bias, we extracted reliable PEC inferred from differences between GNSS-derived vertical TEC and T/J vertical TEC data. Finally, the characteristics of the plasmaspheric component distribution for different local times, latitudes, and seasons were investigated.

Invasion of the European Mink in Omsk Oblast

The invasion of the European mink Mustela lutreola in Omsk oblast continued about 100 years; it was reported for the first time in 1886 and last in 1984. Changes in numbers of the European mink in Omsk oblast were in a direct weak relationship to abiotic factors, such as indicators of solar activity (W, Wolf number) and different moisture conditions within the territory and water level in water bodies. Changes in the area of distribution and population density were in a weak relationship to the timing of spring and fall onsets and the amount of precipitation and snow cover in winter. The average annual harvest amount from professional hunting was rated at ~25% of the individuals living within the territory.

Climatology of the Occurrence Rate and Amplitudes of Local Time Distinguished Equatorial Plasma Depletions Observed by Swarm Satellite

AbstractIn this study, we developed an autodetection technique for the equatorial plasma depletions (EPDs) and their occurrence and depletion amplitudes based on in situ electron density measurements gathered by Swarm A satellite. For the first time, comparisons are made among the detected EPDs and their amplitudes with the loss of Global Positioning System (GPS) signal of receivers onboard Swarm A, and the Swarm Level‐2 product, Ionospheric Bubble Index (IBI). It has been found that the highest rate of EPD occurrence takes place generally between 2200 and 0000 magnetic local time (MLT), in agreement with the IBI. However, the largest amplitudes of EPD are detected earlier at about 1900–2100 MLT. This coincides with the moment of higher background electron density and the largest occurrence of GPS signal loss. From a longitudinal perspective, the higher depletion amplitude is always witnessed in spatial bins with higher background electron density. At most longitudes, the occurrence rate of postmidnight EPDs is reduced compared to premidnight ones; while more postmidnight EPDs are observed at African longitudes. CHAMP observations confirm this point regardless of high or low solar activity condition. Further by comparing with previous studies and the plasma vertical drift velocity from ROCSAT‐1, we suggest that while the F region vertical plasma drift plays a key role in dominating the occurrence of EPDs during premidnight hours, the postmidnight EPDs are the combined results from the continuing of former EPDs and newborn EPDs, especially during June solstice. And these newborn EPDs during postmidnight hours seem to be less related to the plasma vertical drift.

Geomagnetic Storm Effects at F1 Layer Altitudes in Various Periods of Solar Activity (Irkutsk Station)

The influence of geomagnetic disturbances on electron density Ne at F1 layer altitudes in different conditions of solar activity during the autumnal and vernal seasons of 2003–2015, according to the data from the Irkutsk digital ionospheric station (52° N, 104° Е) is examined. Variations of Ne at heights of 150–190 km during the periods of twenty medium-scale and strong geomagnetic storms have been analyzed. At these specified heights, a vernal–autumn asymmetry of geomagnetic storm effects is discovered in all periods of solar activity of 2003–2015: a considerable Ne decrease at a height of 190 km and a weaker effect at lower levels during the autumnal storms. During vernal storms, no significant Ne decrease as compared with quiet conditions was registered over the entire analyzed interval of 150−190 km.

Propagation of Stationary Planetary Waves in the Upper Atmosphere under Different Solar Activity

Numerical modeling of changes in the zonal circulation and amplitudes of stationary planetary waves are performed with an accounting for the impact of solar activity variations on the thermosphere. A thermospheric version of the Middle/Upper Atmosphere Model (MUAM) is used to calculate the circulation in the middle and upper atmosphere at altitudes up to 300 km from the Earth’s surface. Different values of the solar radio emission flux in the thermosphere are specified at a wavelength of 10.7 cm to take into account the solar activity variations. The ionospheric conductivities and their variations in latitude, longitude, and time are taken into account. The calculations are done for the January–February period and the conditions of low, medium, and high solar activity. It was shown that, during high-activity periods, the zonal wind velocities increases at altitudes exceeding 150 km and decreases in the lower layers. The amplitudes of planetary waves at high solar activity with respect to the altitude above 120 km or below 100 km, respectively, are smaller or larger than those at low activity. These differences correspond to the calculated changes in the refractive index of the atmosphere for stationary planetary waves and the Eliassen–Palm flux. Changes in the conditions for the propagation and reflection of stationary planetary waves in the thermosphere may influence the variations in their amplitudes and the atmospheric circulation, including the lower altitudes of the middle atmosphere.

Whole Atmosphere Simulation of Anthropogenic Climate Change

AbstractWe simulated anthropogenic global change through the entire atmosphere, including the thermosphere and ionosphere, using the Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model‐eXtended. The basic result was that even as the lower atmosphere gradually warms, the upper atmosphere rapidly cools. The simulations employed constant low solar activity conditions, to remove the effects of variable solar and geomagnetic activity. Global mean annual mean temperature increased at a rate of +0.2 K/decade at the surface and +0.4 K/decade in the upper troposphere but decreased by about −1 K/decade in the stratosphere‐mesosphere and −2.8 K/decade in the thermosphere. Near the mesopause, temperature decreases were small compared to the interannual variation, so trends in that region are uncertain. Results were similar to previous modeling confined to specific atmospheric levels and compared favorably with available measurements. These simulations demonstrate the ability of a single comprehensive numerical model to characterize global change throughout the atmosphere.

Tridimensional reconstruction of the Co-Seismic Ionospheric Disturbance around the time of 2015 Nepal earthquake

The Co-Seismic Ionospheric Disturbance of the 2015 Nepal earthquake is analyzed in this paper. GNSS data are used to obtain the Satellite-Station TEC sequences. After removing the de-trended TEC variation, a clear ionospheric disturbance was observed 10 min after the earthquake, while the geomagnetic conditions, solar activity, and weather condition remained calm according to the Kp, Dst, F10.7 indices and meteorological records during the period of interest. Computerized ionosphere tomography (CIT) is then used to present the tridimensional ionosphere variation with a 10-min time resolution. The CIT results indicate that (1) the disturbance of the ionospheric electron density above the epicenter during the 2015 Nepal earthquake is confined at a relatively low altitude (approximately 150–300 km); (2) the ionospheric disturbances on the west side and east sides of the epicenter are precisely opposite. A newly established electric field penetration model of the lithosphere–atmosphere–ionosphere coupling is used to investigate the potential physical mechanism.

Empirical model of TEC response to geomagnetic and solar forcing over Balkan Peninsula

An empirical total electron content (TEC) model response to external forcing over Balkan Peninsula (35°N-50°N; 15°E-30°E) is built by using the Center for Orbit Determination of Europe (CODE) TEC data for full 17 years, January 1999 - December 2015. The external forcing includes geomagnetic activity described by the Kp-index and solar activity described by the solar radio flux F10.7. The model describes the most probable spatial distribution and temporal variability of the externally forced TEC anomalies assuming that they depend mainly on latitude, Kp-index, F10.7 and LT. The anomalies are expressed by the relative deviation of the TEC from its 15-day mean, rTEC, as the mean value is calculated from the 15 preceding days. The approach for building this regional model is similar to that of the global TEC model reported by Mukhtarov et al. (2013a) however it includes two important improvements related to short-term variability of the solar activity and amended geomagnetic forcing by using a “modified” Kp index. The quality assessment of the new constructing model procedure in terms of modeling error calculated for the period of 1999–2015 indicates significant improvement in accordance with the global TEC model (Mukhtarov et al., 2013a). The short-term prediction capabilities of the model based on the error calculations for 2016 are improved as well. In order to demonstrate how the model is able to reproduce the rTEC response to external forcing three geomagnetic storms, accompanied also with short-term solar activity variations, which occur at different seasons and solar activity conditions are presented.

Influence of spatial gradients on ionospheric mapping using thin layer models

This study provides information about the influence of various ionospheric spatial gradients on the thin layer ionospheric model (TLIM). Particular attention is paid to the errors caused by the slant total electron content (sTEC) when converted to the vertical total electron content (vTEC) by an elevation-dependent mapping function (MF), ignoring the satellite azimuth. We quantify the influence of the spatial gradient on ionospheric mapping using globally distributed GNSS measurements and the NeQuick2 ionospheric electron density model. The ionospheric mapping errors (IME) were confirmed using GNSS measurements that were observed for different solar activity conditions. It was found that the IME in the low latitudes were significantly higher than those at other latitudes, and the high-latitude region IME were more pronounced than those of the mid-latitude regions. A comprehensive simulation analysis based on the NeQuick2 model was conducted for different azimuth angles and geographical locations. It was found that the vTEC converted by the MF is smaller than the real value of vTEC in different spatial directions. The IME in the north-to-south direction were much higher than those in the east-to-west direction and were symmetrical north–south about the geomagnetic equator. The values of the IME had obviously seasonal variation characteristics: The IME in the spring and autumn were significantly higher than those in the winter and summer; however, in the low latitudes, the IME were abnormal and had larger values. There is an interesting phenomenon wherein the IME were symmetrical about the azimuth of 180°, and the value of the IME was less than 1 TECu when the satellite elevation was up to 50°. From the global perspective, when the thin layer height is at 400 km, the IME were relatively minimal. In addition, the modified single-layer model (MSLM) and Ou (Ou J) segmented mapping functions outperformed other mapping functions at low satellite elevations; however, when the elevation angle was increased to approximately 40°, the differences of the different MFs were small.

IRI model in the problem of predicting ionospheric radio-wave propagation under conditions of high solar activity

The paper presents the results of an analysis of the correspondence between model representations the monthly mean diurnal dependences of critical frequency and vertical profiles of plasma frequency at local noon at IZMIRAN station for the middle months of the four seasons of 2014, the year of the maximum solar activity in the current 24th cycle. It is shown that in general the IRI model reliably describes the daily variation of foF2, and the smallest discrepancy is achieved when its basic input parameter is given by the ionospheric index of solar activity IG12. An exception is April, for which there is a fundamental discrepancy with the model both in the daily variation of the critical frequency foF2 and in the N e (h)-profile for local noon time. For this month, the inadequacy in the model representation of the vertical distribution of the electron density turned out to be very significant in the calculation of the MUF: the relative error can reach 20%. The simulation results are confirmed by data from oblique-incidence ionospheric radio sounding.

Bottom side profiles for two close stations at the southern crest of the EIA: Differences and comparison with IRI-2012 and NeQuick2 for low and high solar activity

Bottom side electron density profiles for two stations at the southern crest of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA), São José dos Campos (23.1°S, 314.5°E, dip latitude 19.8°S; Brazil) and Tucumán (26.9°S, 294.6°E, dip latitude 14.0°S; Argentina), located at similar latitude and separated by only 20° in longitude, have been compared during equinoctial, winter and summer months under low (year 2008, minimum of the solar cycle 23/24) and high solar activity (years 2013–2014, maximum of the solar cycle 24) conditions. An analysis of parameters describing the bottom side part of the electron density profile, namely the peak electron density NmF2, the height hmF2 at which it is reached, the thickness parameter B0 and the shape parameter B1, is carried out. Further, a comparison of bottom side profiles and F-layer parameters with the corresponding outputs of IRI-2012 and NeQuick2 models is also reported. The variations of NmF2 at both stations reveal the absence of semi-annual anomaly for low solar activity (LSA), evidencing the anomalous activity of the last solar minimum, while those related to hmF2 show an uplift of the ionosphere for high solar activity (HSA). As expected, the EIA is particularly visible at both stations during equinox for HSA, when its strength is at maximum in the South American sector. Despite the similar latitude of the two stations upon the southern crest of the EIA, the anomaly effect is more pronounced at Tucumán than at São José dos Campos. The differences encountered between these very close stations suggest that in this sector relevant longitudinal-dependent variations could occur, with the longitudinal gradient of the Equatorial Electrojet that plays a key role to explain such differences together with the 5.8° separation in dip latitude between the two ionosondes. Furthermore at Tucumán, the daily peak value of NmF2 around 21:00 LT during equinox for HSA is in temporal coincidence with an impulsive enhancement of hmF2, showing a kind of “elastic rebound” under the action of the EIA. IRI-2012 and NeQuick2 bottom side profiles show significant deviations from ionosonde observations. In particular, both models provide a clear underestimation of the EIA strength at both stations, with more pronounced differences for Tucumán. Large discrepancies are obtained for the parameter hmF2 for HSA during daytime at São José dos Campos, where clear underestimations made by both models are observed. The shape parameter B0 is quite well described by the IRI-2012 model, with very good agreement in particular during equinox for both stations for both LSA and HSA. On the contrary, the two models show poor agreements with ionosonde data concerning the shape parameter B1.

Comparison of vertical E × B drift velocities and ground-based magnetometer observations of DELTA H in the low latitude under geomagnetically disturbed conditions

In the present work, we analyzed the daytime vertical E×B drift velocities obtained from Jicamarca Unattended Long-term Ionosphere Atmosphere (JULIA) radar and ΔH component of geomagnetic field measured as the difference between the magnitudes of the horizontal (H) components between two magnetometers deployed at two different locations Jicamarca, and Piura in Peru for 22 geomagnetically disturbed events in which either SC has occurred or Dstmax<−50nT during the period 2006–2011. The ΔH component of geomagnetic field is measured as the differences in the magnitudes of horizontal H component between magnetometer placed directly on the magnetic equator and one displaced 6–9° away. It will provide a direct measure of the daytime electrojet current, due to the eastward electric field. This will in turn gives the magnitude of vertical E×B drift velocity in the F region. A positive correlation exists between peak values of daytime vertical E×B drift velocity and peak value of ΔH for the three consecutive days of the events. It was observed that 45% of the events have daytime vertical E×B drift velocity peak in the magnitude range 10–20m/s and 20–30m/s and 20% have peak ΔH in the magnitude range 50–60nT and 80–90nT. It was observed that the time of occurrence of the peak value of both the vertical E×B drift velocity and the ΔH have a maximum (40%) probability in the same time range 11:00–13:00 LT. We also investigated the correlation between E×B drift velocity and Dst index and the correlation between delta H and Dst index. A strong positive correlation is found between E×B drift and Dst index as well as between delta H and Dst Index. Three different techniques of data analysis – linear, polynomial (order 2), and polynomial (order 3) regression analysis were considered. The regression parameters in all the three cases were calculated using the Least Square Method (LSM), using the daytime vertical E×B drift velocity and ΔH. A formula was developed which indicates the relationship between daytime vertical E×B drift velocity and ΔH, for the disturbed periods. The E×B drift velocity was then evaluated using the formulae thus found for the three regression analysis and validated for the ‘disturbed periods’ of 3 selected events. The E×B drift velocities estimated by the three regression analysis have a fairly good agreement with JULIA radar observed values under different seasons and solar activity conditions. Root Mean Square (RMS) errors calculated for each case suggest that polynomial (order 3) regression analysis provides a better agreement with the observations from among the three.

Modeling and analysis of GPS-TEC low latitude climatology during the 24th solar cycle using empirical orthogonal functions

The Total Electron Content (TEC) is an essential component describing the temporal and spatial characteristics of the ionosphere. In this paper, an empirical orthogonal function (EOF) model is constructed by using ground based Global Navigational Satellite System (GNSS) TEC observation data at the Bangalore International GNSS Service (IGS) station (geographic – 13.02° N, 77.57° E; geomagnetic latitude 4.4° N) during an extended period (2009–2016) in the 24th solar cycle. EOF model can be decomposed into base functions and its corresponding coefficients. These decomposed modes well represented the influence of solar and geomagnetic activity towards TEC. The first three EOFs modes constitute about 98% of the total variance of the observed data sets. The Fourier Series Analysis (FSA) is carried out to characterize the solar-cycle, annual and semi-annual dependences by modulating the first three EOF coefficients with solar (F10.7) and geomagnetic (Ap and Dst) indices. The TEC model is validated during daytime and nighttime conditions as well as under different solar activity and geomagnetic conditions. A positive correlation (0.85) of averaged daily GPS-TEC with averaged daily F10.7 strongly supports those time-varying characteristics of the ionosphere features depends on the solar activity. Further, the validity and reliability of EOF model is verified by comparing with the GPS-TEC data, and standard global ionospheric models (International Reference Ionosphere, IRI2016 and Standard Plasmasphere-Ionosphere Model, SPIM). The performances of the standard ionosphericmodelsare marked to be relatively better during High Solar Activity (HSA) periods as compared to the Low Solar Activity (LSA) periods.

Characteristics of nighttime E-region over Arecibo: Dependence on solar flux and geomagnetic variations

Electron concentration (Ne) inferred from Incoherent Scatter Radar (ISR) measurements has been used to determine the influence of solar flux and geomagnetic activity in the ionospheric E-region over Arecibo Observatory (AO). The approach is based on the determination of column integrated Ne, referred to as E-region total electron content (ErTEC) between 80 and 150km altitude regions. The results discussed in this work are for the AO nighttime period. The study reveals higher ErTEC values during the low solar flux periods for all the seasons except for summer period. It is found that the E-region column abundance is higher in equinox periods than in the winter for low solar activity conditions. The column integrated Ne during the post-sunset/pre-sunrise periods always exceeds the midnight minima, independent of season or solar activity. This behavior has been attributed to the variations in the coupling processes from the F-region. The response of ErTEC to the geomagnetic variability is also examined for different solar flux conditions and seasons. During high solar flux periods, changes in Kp cause an ErTEC increase in summer and equinox, while producing a negative storm-like effect during the winter. Variations in ErTEC due to geomagnetic activity during low solar flux periods produce maximum variability in the E-region during equinox periods, while resulting in an increase/decrease in ErTEC before local midnight during the winter/summer periods, respectively.

A study of multi-GNSS ionospheric scintillation and cycle-slip over Hong Kong region for moderate solar flux conditions

This study presents the characteristics of Multiple Global Navigation Satellite System (Multi-GNSS) ionospheric scintillation and cycle-slip occurrence through the analysis of Multi-GNSS data collected by a newly installed receiver located at Sha Tin of Hong Kong from 6 October 2015 to 31 December 2016. This period of time was under a moderate solar activity condition with average sunspot number and F10.7 as 44 and 92, respectively. Considering the frequent occurrence of loss of lock in satellites measurements in the presence of ionospheric scintillation, a rate of geometry-free (ROGF) combination is proposed to take the time gap size between two data arcs into account in the cycle-slip detection. The results show that most ionospheric scintillation events and cycle-slips are observed from 20:00 LT to 0:00 LT. Under the strong scintillation (S4>0.6) conditions, it is found that the time series of wide-land (WL) ambiguity NWL and ROGF vary significantly and their range can reach more than 50 cycles and 0.1m/s, respectively. However, the variations of the NWL and ROGF are generally small under weak scintillation (0.2<S4≤0.6) or non-scintillation (S4≤0.2) conditions. A strong correlation of scintillation and cycle-slip occurrence is also verified by the daily and spatial statistics results. In addition, it is found that on average every 1000 strong scintillation events can result in 200, 124, and 171 cycle-slip occurrences in GPS, GLONASS, and BDS, respectively, whereas these values are 7, 12, and 12 per 1000 under weak scintillation conditions. This study suggests that cautions be taken when GNSS measurements are contaminated by the strong ionospheric scintillation in GNSS applications such as real-time kinematic (RTK) and precise point positioning (PPP).

Long-term monthly statistics of the mid-latitude ionospheric E-layer peak electron density in the Northern geographic hemisphere during geomagnetically quiet and steadily low solar activity conditions

Long-term hourly values of the ionospheric E-layer peak electron density, NmE, measured during the time period of 1957-2014 by 4 mid-latitude ionosondes (Wallops Island, Boulder, de l’Ebre, and Rome) in the Northern geographic hemisphere were processed to select periods of geomagnetically quiet and low solar activity conditions to calculate several descriptive statistics of NmE close to noon for each month in a year, including the mathematical expectation of NmE, the standard deviations of NmE from the mathematically expected NmE, and the NmE variation coefficient. The month-to-month variability of these descriptors allowed us to identify months of a year when they reach their extremes (maxima, minima).

Average field‐aligned ion velocity over the EISCAT radars

AbstractLong‐term measurements by the European Incoherent Scatter (EISCAT) radars at Tromsø (69.6°N, 19.2°E) and Svalbard (78.2°N, 16.0°E) are used to determine the climatology of the field‐aligned ion velocity in the F region ionosphere (175–475 km) at high latitudes. The average ion velocity is calculated at various altitudes and times of day. The magnitude of the average field‐aligned ion velocity is on the order of 10 m/s, similar to previous results at middle and low latitudes. The results obtained for the two radars are in good agreement. During daytime the direction of the average field‐aligned ion velocity changes from downward to upward around 350 km, while during nighttime it is upward at all heights. The reversal height of the daytime field‐aligned ion velocity depends on solar activity. It is elevated by more than 100 km during high solar flux periods compared to low solar flux periods. The Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model reproduces the main features of the field‐aligned ion velocity climatology. The simulation results suggest that the plasma pressure gradient force and gravity force play a dominant role for the daytime field‐aligned ion motion. The height pattern of the field‐aligned ion velocity tends to be preserved in different solar activity conditions at constant pressure surfaces, but not at constant altitudes, which explains the observed dependence on solar activity. During nighttime, the effect of the neutral wind dominates the field‐aligned ion velocity.