TY - JOUR A1 - Adolfs, Marjolijn A1 - Hoque, Mohammed Mainul A1 - Shprits, Yuri Y. T1 - Storm-time relative total electron content modelling using machine learning techniques JF - Remote sensing N2 - Accurately predicting total electron content (TEC) during geomagnetic storms is still a challenging task for ionospheric models. In this work, a neural-network (NN)-based model is proposed which predicts relative TEC with respect to the preceding 27-day median TEC, during storm time for the European region (with longitudes 30 degrees W-50 degrees E and latitudes 32.5 degrees N-70 degrees N). The 27-day median TEC (referred to as median TEC), latitude, longitude, universal time, storm time, solar radio flux index F10.7, global storm index SYM-H and geomagnetic activity index Hp30 are used as inputs and the output of the network is the relative TEC. The relative TEC can be converted to the actual TEC knowing the median TEC. The median TEC is calculated at each grid point over the European region considering data from the last 27 days before the storm using global ionosphere maps (GIMs) from international GNSS service (IGS) sources. A storm event is defined when the storm time disturbance index Dst drops below 50 nanotesla. The model was trained with storm-time relative TEC data from the time period of 1998 until 2019 (2015 is excluded) and contains 365 storms. Unseen storm data from 33 storm events during 2015 and 2020 were used to test the model. The UQRG GIMs were used because of their high temporal resolution (15 min) compared to other products from different analysis centers. The NN-based model predictions show the seasonal behavior of the storms including positive and negative storm phases during winter and summer, respectively, and show a mixture of both phases during equinoxes. The model's performance was also compared with the Neustrelitz TEC model (NTCM) and the NN-based quiet-time TEC model, both developed at the German Aerospace Agency (DLR). The storm model has a root mean squared error (RMSE) of 3.38 TEC units (TECU), which is an improvement by 1.87 TECU compared to the NTCM, where an RMSE of 5.25 TECU was found. This improvement corresponds to a performance increase by 35.6%. The storm-time model outperforms the quiet-time model by 1.34 TECU, which corresponds to a performance increase by 28.4% from 4.72 to 3.38 TECU. The quiet-time model was trained with Carrington averaged TEC and, therefore, is ideal to be used as an input instead of the GIM derived 27-day median. We found an improvement by 0.8 TECU which corresponds to a performance increase by 17% from 4.72 to 3.92 TECU for the storm-time model using the quiet-time-model predicted TEC as an input compared to solely using the quiet-time model. KW - ionosphere KW - relative total electron content KW - geomagnetic storms KW - neural KW - networks KW - NTCM KW - European storm-time model Y1 - 2022 U6 - https://doi.org/10.3390/rs14236155 SN - 2072-4292 VL - 14 IS - 23 PB - MDPI CY - Basel ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Zolotov, Oleg V. A1 - Namgaladze, Alexander A. A1 - Prokhorov, Boris E. T1 - Specific features of ionospheric total electron content variations in the periods of preparation of the earthquakes on March 11, 2011 (Japan) and October 23, 2011 (Turkey) JF - Russian journal of physical chemistry : B, Focus on physics N2 - The main morphological features of variations of the total electron content (TEC) of the ionosphere before the earthquakes on March 11, 2011 (Japan) and October 23, 2011 (Turkey) are examined. The revealed features are compared to those of ionospheric TEC disturbances observed prior to several other large seismic events, as well as to those included in a list of the most frequently observed ionospheric TEC disturbances interpreted as possible ionospheric precursors of earthquakes. It is shown that, in the periods of preparation of the earthquakes under consideration, on March 8-11 and October 20-23, abnormal ionospheric TEC disturbances were observed as long-lived structures in a near-epicentral region and in the region magnetically conjugated to it. KW - total electron content KW - earthquakes KW - ionospheric precursors of earthquakes KW - ionosphere Y1 - 2013 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1134/S1990793113050266 SN - 1990-7931 SN - 1990-7923 VL - 7 IS - 5 SP - 599 EP - 605 PB - Pleiades Publ. CY - New York ER - TY - JOUR A1 - Pedatella, Nick M. A1 - Fang, T. -W. A1 - Jin, Hao A1 - Sassi, F. A1 - Schmidt, H. A1 - Chau, Jorge Luis A1 - Siddiqui, Tarique Adnan A1 - Goncharenko, L. T1 - Multimodel comparison of the ionosphere variability during the 2009 sudden stratosphere warming JF - Journal of geophysical research : Space physics N2 - A comparison of different model simulations of the ionosphere variability during the 2009 sudden stratosphere warming (SSW) is presented. The focus is on the equatorial and low-latitude ionosphere simulated by the Ground-to-topside model of the Atmosphere and Ionosphere for Aeronomy (GAIA), Whole Atmosphere Model plus Global Ionosphere Plasmasphere (WAM+GIP), and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model eXtended version plus Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere-Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (WACCMX+TIMEGCM). The simulations are compared with observations of the equatorial vertical plasma drift in the American and Indian longitude sectors, zonal mean Fregion peak density (NmF2) from the Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate (COSMIC) satellites, and ground-based Global Positioning System (GPS) total electron content (TEC) at 75 degrees W. The model simulations all reproduce the observed morning enhancement and afternoon decrease in the vertical plasma drift, as well as the progression of the anomalies toward later local times over the course of several days. However, notable discrepancies among the simulations are seen in terms of the magnitude of the drift perturbations, and rate of the local time shift. Comparison of the electron densities further reveals that although many of the broad features of the ionosphere variability are captured by the simulations, there are significant differences among the different model simulations, as well as between the simulations and observations. Additional simulations are performed where the neutral atmospheres from four different whole atmosphere models (GAIA, HAMMONIA (Hamburg Model of the Neutral and Ionized Atmosphere), WAM, and WACCMX) provide the lower atmospheric forcing in the TIME-GCM. These simulations demonstrate that different neutral atmospheres, in particular, differences in the solar migrating semidiurnal tide, are partly responsible for the differences in the simulated ionosphere variability in GAIA, WAM+GIP, and WACCMX+TIMEGCM. KW - ionosphere KW - sudden stratosphere warming Y1 - 2016 U6 - https://doi.org/10.1002/2016JA022859 SN - 2169-9380 SN - 2169-9402 VL - 121 SP - 7204 EP - 7225 PB - American Geophysical Union CY - Washington ER - TY - GEN A1 - Park, J. A1 - Lühr, H. A1 - Stolle, Claudia A1 - Malhotra, G. A1 - Baker, J. B. H. A1 - Buchert, Stephan A1 - Gill, R. T1 - Estimating along-track plasma drift speed from electron density measurements by the three Swarm satellites T2 - Postprints der Universität Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe N2 - Plasma convection in the high-latitude ionosphere provides important information about magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere coupling. In this study we estimate the along-track component of plasma convection within and around the polar cap, using electron density profiles measured by the three Swarm satellites. The velocity values estimated from the two different satellite pairs agree with each other. In both hemispheres the estimated velocity is generally anti-sunward, especially for higher speeds. The obtained velocity is in qualitative agreement with Super Dual Auroral Radar Network data. Our method can supplement currently available instruments for ionospheric plasma velocity measurements, especially in cases where these traditional instruments suffer from their inherent limitations. Also, the method can be generalized to other satellite constellations carrying electron density probes. T3 - Zweitveröffentlichungen der Universität Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe - 503 KW - ionosphere KW - plasma convection Y1 - 2019 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-408417 SN - 1866-8372 IS - 503 ER - TY - THES A1 - Rodriguez Zuluaga, Juan T1 - Electric and magnetic characteristics of equatorial plasma depletions T1 - Elektrische und magnetische Beschreibung von äquatorialen Plasma-Verarmungen BT - an observational assessment using the Swarm mission BT - eine empirische Beurteilung mit der Satellitenmission Swarm N2 - Near-Earth space represents a significant scientific and technological challenge. Particularly at magnetic low-latitudes, the horizontal magnetic field geometry at the dip equator and its closed field-lines support the existence of a distinct electric current system, abrupt electric field variations and the development of plasma irregularities. Of particular interest are small-scale irregularities associated with equatorial plasma depletions (EPDs). They are responsible for the disruption of trans-ionospheric radio waves used for navigation, communication, and Earth observation. The fast increase of satellite missions makes it imperative to study the near-Earth space, especially the phenomena known to harm space technology or disrupt their signals. EPDs correspond to the large-scale structure (i.e., tens to hundreds of kilometers) of topside F region irregularities commonly known as Spread F. They are observed as depleted-plasma density channels aligned with the ambient magnetic field in the post-sunset low-latitude ionosphere. Although the climatological variability of their occurrence in terms of season, longitude, local time and solar flux is well-known, their day to day variability is not. The sparse observations from ground-based instruments like radars and the few simultaneous measurements of ionospheric parameters by space-based instruments have left gaps in the knowledge of EPDs essential to comprehend their variability. In this dissertation, I profited from the unique observations of the ESA’s Swarm constellation mission launched in November 2013 to tackle three issues that revealed novel and significant results on the current knowledge of EPDs. I used Swarm’s measurements of the electron density, magnetic, and electric fields to answer, (1.) what is the direction of propagation of the electromagnetic energy associated with EPDs?, (2.) what are the spatial and temporal characteristics of the electric currents (field-aligned and diamagnetic currents) related to EPDs, i.e., seasonal/geographical, and local time dependencies?, and (3.) under what conditions does the balance between magnetic and plasma pressure across EPDs occur? The results indicate that: (1.) The electromagnetic energy associated with EPDs presents a preference for interhemispheric flows; that is, the related Poynting flux directs from one magnetic hemisphere to the other and varies with longitude and season. (2.) The field-aligned currents at the edges of EPDs are interhemispheric. They generally close in the hemisphere with the highest Pedersen conductance. Such hemispherical preference presents a seasonal/longitudinal dependence. The diamagnetic currents increase or decrease the magnetic pressure inside EPDs. These two effects rely on variations of the plasma temperature inside the EPDs that depend on longitude and local time. (3.) EPDs present lower or higher plasma pressure than the ambient. For low-pressure EPDs the plasma pressure gradients are mostly dominated by variations of the plasma density so that variations of the temperature are negligible. High-pressure EPDs suggest significant temperature variations with magnitudes of approximately twice the ambient. Since their occurrence is more frequent in the vicinity of the South Atlantic magnetic anomaly, such high temperatures are suggested to be due to particle precipitation. In a broader context, this dissertation shows how dedicated satellite missions with high-resolution capabilities improve the specification of the low-latitude ionospheric electrodynamics and expand knowledge on EPDs which is valuable for current and future communication, navigation, and Earth-observing missions. The contributions of this investigation represent several ’firsts’ in the study of EPDs: (1.) The first observational evidence of interhemispheric electromagnetic energy flux and field-aligned currents. (2.) The first spatial and temporal characterization of EPDs based on their associated field-aligned and diamagnetic currents. (3.) The first evidence of high plasma pressure in regions of depleted plasma density in the ionosphere. These findings provide new insights that promise to advance our current knowledge of not only EPDs but the low-latitude post-sunset ionosphere environment. N2 - Der erdnahe Weltraum stellt eine bedeutende wissenschaftliche und technologische Herausforderung dar. Insbesondere in niedrigeren magnetischen Breitengraden unterstützen die horizontale Geometrie des Magnetfelds und seine geschlossenen Feldlinien das Vorhandensein eines speziellen elektrischen Stromsystems, abrupte Änderungen der elektrischen Felder und das Auftreten von Plasmairregularitäten. Von besonderem Interesse sind regionale Unregelmäßigkeiten im Zusammenhang mit äquatorialen Plasma-Verarmungen (EPDs, Abkürzung aus dem Englischen für „equatorial plasma depletions”). Sie stören trans-ionosphärischer Funkwellen, welche zur Positionierung, Kommunikation und Erd-beobachtung eingesetzt werden. Die schnelle Entwicklung von Satellitenmissionen macht das Verständnis der erdnahen Weltraumphänomene zu einer Priorität, insbesondere derjenigen, welche die Weltraumtechnologie schädigen oder ihre Signale stören können. Die EPDs und die damit verbundenen Plasmairregularitäten sind seit Beginn des Weltraumzeitalters eines der am häufigsten untersuchten Phänomene. EPDs sind großflächigen Strukturen (d. h. zehn bis hundert Kilometer), die auf Spread F Ereignisse zurückgeführt werden können. Sie äußern sich als mit dem Hintergrund-Magnetfeld ausgerichtete Kanäle verarmter Plasmadichte, welche in niedrigen Breiten in der Ionophäre nach Sonnenuntergang auftreten. Obwohl die klimatologische Variabilität des Auftretens von EPDs bezüglich der Jahreszeit, geografischen Länge, Ortszeit und des Sonnenzyklus wohl bekannt sind, trifft dies nicht für ihre Tag-zu-Tag-Variabilität zu. Die spärlichen Beobachtungen von bodengestützten Instrumenten, wie Radargeräten, und die wenigen gleichzeitigen Messungen ionosphärischer Parameter von weltraumgestützten Instrumenten auf erdnahen Umlaufbahnen haben Wissenslücken hinterlassen, die für das Verständnis der Variabilität von EPDs essentiell sind. In dieser Dissertation habe ich von einzigartigen Beobachtungen der im November 2013 gestarteten ESA Satellitenkonstellationsmission „Swarm“ profitiert, um drei Probleme zu bearbeiten, die neue und signifikante Ergebnisse zum aktuellen Wissen über EPDs enthüllten. Ich habe Swarms Messungen der Elektronendichte, des magnetischen und des elektrischen Feldes verwendet, um Folgendes zu beantworten: (1.) In welche Richtung breitet sich die mit den EPDs verbundene elektromagnetische Energie aus? (2.) Was sind die räumlichen und zeitlichen Eigenschaften der elektrischen Ströme (feldgerichtete und diamagnetische Ströme) in Bezug auf EPDs, d. h. wie hängen sie von der geografischen Länge, Jahreszeit und Lokalzeit ab? (3.) Unter welchen Bedingungen findet der mit EPDs verbundene Ausgleich zwischen magnetischem Druck und Plasmadruck statt? Die Ergebnisse zeigen, dass: (1.) Die mit EPDs verbundene elektromagnetische Energie bevorzugt interhemisphärische Strömungen, das heißt, der zugehörige Poynting-Fluss strömt von einer magnetischen Hemisphäre zur anderen und die Strömungsrichtung variiert mit geografischer Länge und Jahreszeit. (2.) Die feldgerichteten Ströme an den Rändern von EPDs sind interhemisphärisch. Im Allgemeinen schließen sie sich in der Hemisphäre mit der höchsten Pedersen-Leitfähigkeit. Die derartige hemisphärische Präferenz zeigt eine Abhängigkeit bezüglich der Jahreszeit/geografischen Länge. Die diamagnetischen Ströme erhöhen oder verringern den magnetischen Druck innerhalb der EPDs. Diese beiden Effekte beruhen auf Variationen der Plasmatemperatur innerhalb der EPDs, die von der geografischen Länge und der Lokalzeit abhängt. (3.) EPDs weisen einen höheren oder niedrigeren Plasmadruck als ihre Umgebung auf. In Niederdruck-EPDs werden die Plasmadruckgradienten meist durch Variationen der Plasmadichte hervorgerufen, sodass Temperaturschwankungen vernachlässigbar sind. Hochdruck-EPDs deuten auf hohe innere Temperaturen hin, etwa das Zweifache der Umgebungstemperatur. Aufgrund ihres häufigeren Auftretens in der Nähe der Südatlantischen Magnetfeldanomalie wird vermutet, dass solche hohen Temperaturen auf den Einfall hochenergetischer Teilchen zurückzuführen sind. In einem breiteren Kontext zeigt diese Dissertation auf, wie spezielle Satellitenmissionen mit hohem Auflösungsvermögen die Spezifikation der ionoshärischen Elektrodynamik in niedrigen Breiten und das Verständnis von EPDs verbessern, was wertvoll für aktuelle und zukünfte Kommunikatoins-, Positionierungs- sowie Erdbeobachtungsmissionen ist. Die Beiträge dieser Arbeit stellen gleich mehrere "Premieren" in der EPD-Forschung dar: (1.) Der erste empirische Nachweis interhemisphärischer elektromagnetischer Energieflüsse und feldgerichteter Ströme. (2.) Die erste raum-zeitliche Beschreibung von EPDs auf der Grundlage ihrer assoziierten feldgerichteten und diamagnetischen Ströme. (3.) Der erste Nachweis hohen Plasmadrucks in Regionen verminderter Plasmadichte in der Ionosphäre. Diese Forschungsergebnisse liefern neue Erkenntnisse, die nicht nur unser derzeitiges Wissen über EPDs, sondern auch jenes über die ionosphärische Domaine in niedrigen Breiten nach Sonnenuntergang fördert. KW - equatorial plasma depletions KW - electric and magnetic fields KW - spread F KW - ionosphere KW - swarm mission KW - äquatorialen Plasma-Verarmungen KW - elektrische und magnetische Felder KW - Spread F KW - Ionosphäre KW - Satellitenmission Swarm Y1 - 2020 U6 - http://nbn-resolving.de/urn/resolver.pl?urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-445873 ER -