Total Electron Content specification of ionospheric anomalies using the coupled IDA4D/SAMI3

Abstract:

Multiple user groups require accurate specification of path-integrated Total Electron Content for positioning, navigation and surveillance. Related to that operational need is a scientific curiosity to understand ionospheric anomalies such as the Night-Time Ionospheric Localized Enhancement (NILE) occasionally seen around Florida. To meet these needs, we have developed a coupled data assimilation scheme using a first-principles ionospheric model (SAMI3) and a comprehensive data assimilation algorithm (IDA4D). Here we present this new model and demonstrate its performance in specifying ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC), as compared to independent measures of TEC from incoherent scatter radar, independent GPS data and ionosondes. These results show the NILE phenomenon in the context of other ionospheric anomalies during disturbed geomagnetic conditions.