Retrieving the Real F Region Peak Parameters From Digisonde Data
Abstract
The knowledge of the ionospheric electron density peak parameters behavior is important to understand several practical problems related to the ionospheric dynamics and structure as well as the transionospheric radio communications. In recent analysis of the St. Patrick's Day Geomagnetic Storm of 2015, by the comparison of the measurements taken with the Digisonde Portable Sounder located at Ramey and the ones made by the incoherent scatter radar (ISR) at the Arecibo Observatory it was detected a recursive difference of the ionospheric peak altitude parameters (foF2 and hmF2). The Arecibo Observatory is located at 18.3464° N, 66.7528° W and Ramey is located 43 km Northwest of the observatory. The detected differences of the aforementioned period showed a strong dependence with local time, been higher during nighttime. The purpose of this work is to identify the patterns of this recursive F2 Layer peak errors. We proceeded to analyze fourteen experiments conducted at the Arecibo Observatory using the ISR that we then compare with measurements taken at Ramey using the Digisonde. We show that small differences in the critical frequency of the F2 Layer (foF2) generate larger differences in hmF2 due to the sharp gradient in the ordinary measurements displayed on ionograms. Specific trends were found in the residual occurrence distributions and through comparison of the measurements based on the season, time of day, and frequency in which the measurements were taken. Taking these trends into account we have developed corrective functions to improve the accuracy of the measurements taken with the Digisonde at Ramey and with which ARTIST within SAO Explorer can potentially create a more accurate bottom fit of the data presented in ionograms. This bottom fit determines the majority of the parameters output by SAO explorer including the hmF2 and foF2. This is a research developed during the Arecibo Observatory Research Experience for Undergraduates Program 2016.
- Publication:
-
AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2016
- Bibcode:
- 2016AGUFMSA13B..06P
- Keywords:
-
- 2499 General or miscellaneous;
- IONOSPHEREDE: 7999 General or miscellaneous;
- SPACE WEATHER