Modeling Strom-Time Ionospheric Disturbances Using GAIM Assimilating COSMIC and Ground-Based GPS Observations

The constellation of COSMIC 6 low Earth Orbiters launched last year has significantly augmented the GPS observation system. Assimilating COSMIC and ground-based GPS line-of-sight TEC measurements, the Global Assimilative Ionospheric Model (GAIM) is capable of capturing large-scale ionospheric disturbances under space weather conditions. In this paper, we will present the characteristics of ionospheric disturbances seen in GAIM results that lead to the assessment of storm-time dynamical perturbations in the upper atmosphere.