@misc{StolleMichaelisRauberg2016, author = {Stolle, Claudia and Michaelis, Ingo and Rauberg, Jan}, title = {The role of high-resolution geomagnetic field models for investigating ionospheric currents at low Earth orbit satellites}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {887}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-43550}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-435500}, pages = {12}, year = {2016}, abstract = {Low Earth orbiting geomagnetic satellite missions, such as the Swarm satellite mission, are the only means to monitor and investigate ionospheric currents on a global scale and to make in situ measurements of F region currents. High-precision geomagnetic satellite missions are also able to detect ionospheric currents during quiet-time geomagnetic conditions that only have few nanotesla amplitudes in the magnetic field. An efficient method to isolate the ionospheric signals from satellite magnetic field measurements has been the use of residuals between the observations and predictions from empirical geomagnetic models for other geomagnetic sources, such as the core and lithospheric field or signals from the quiet-time magnetospheric currents. This study aims at highlighting the importance of high-resolution magnetic field models that are able to predict the lithospheric field and that consider the quiet-time magnetosphere for reliably isolating signatures from ionospheric currents during geomagnetically quiet times. The effects on the detection of ionospheric currents arising from neglecting the lithospheric and magnetospheric sources are discussed on the example of four Swarm orbits during very quiet times. The respective orbits show a broad range of typical scenarios, such as strong and weak ionospheric signal (during day- and nighttime, respectively) superimposed over strong and weak lithospheric signals. If predictions from the lithosphere or magnetosphere are not properly considered, the amplitude of the ionospheric currents, such as the midlatitude Sq currents or the equatorial electrojet (EEJ), is modulated by 10-15 \% in the examples shown. An analysis from several orbits above the African sector, where the lithospheric field is significant, showed that the peak value of the signatures of the EEJ is in error by 5 \% in average when lithospheric contributions are not considered, which is in the range of uncertainties of present empirical models of the EEJ.}, language = {en} } @misc{SiddiquiLuehrStolleetal.2015, author = {Siddiqui, Tarique Adnan and L{\"u}hr, H. and Stolle, Claudia and Park, J.}, title = {Relation between stratospheric sudden warming and the lunar effect on the equatorial electrojet based on Huancayo recordings}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {517}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-40956}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-409564}, pages = {9}, year = {2015}, abstract = {It has been known for many decades that the lunar tidal influence in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) is noticeably enhanced during Northern Hemisphere winters. Recent literature has discussed the role of stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) events behind the enhancement of lunar tides and the findings suggest a positive correlation between the lunar tidal amplitude and lower stratospheric parameters (zonal mean air temperature and zonal mean zonal wind) during SSW events. The positive correlation raises the question whether an inverse approach could also be developed which makes it possible to deduce the occurrence of SSW events before their direct observations (before 1952) from the amplitude of the lunar tides. This study presents an analysis technique based on the phase of the semi-monthly lunar tide to determine the lunar tidal modulation of the EEJ. A statistical approach using the superposed epoch analysis is also carried out to formulate a relation between the EEJ tidal amplitude and lower stratospheric parameters. Using these results, we have estimated a threshold value for the tidal wave power that could be used to identify years with SSW events from magnetic field observations.}, language = {en} } @misc{ParkLuehrStolleetal.2015, author = {Park, J. and L{\"u}hr, H. and Stolle, Claudia and Malhotra, G. and Baker, J. B. H. and Buchert, Stephan and Gill, R.}, title = {Estimating along-track plasma drift speed from electron density measurements by the three Swarm satellites}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam : Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {503}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-40841}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-408417}, pages = {7}, year = {2015}, abstract = {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.}, language = {en} } @article{ParkLuehrStolleetal.2016, author = {Park, Jaeheung and L{\"u}hr, Hermann and Stolle, Claudia and Rodriguez-Zuluaga, Juan and Knudsen, David J. and Burchill, Johnathan K. and Kwak, Young-Sil}, title = {Statistical survey of nighttime midlatitude magnetic fluctuations: Their source location and Poynting flux as derived from the Swarm constellation}, series = {Journal of geophysical research : Space physics}, volume = {121}, journal = {Journal of geophysical research : Space physics}, publisher = {American Geophysical Union}, address = {Washington}, issn = {2169-9380}, doi = {10.1002/2016JA023408}, pages = {11235 -- 11248}, year = {2016}, abstract = {This is the first statistical survey of field fluctuations related with medium-scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs), which considers magnetic field, electric field, and plasma density variations at the same time. Midlatitude electric fluctuations (MEFs) and midlatitude magnetic fluctuations (MMFs) observed in the nighttime topside ionosphere have generally been attributed to MSTIDs. Although the topic has been studied for several decades, statistical studies of the Poynting flux related with MEF/MMF/MSTID have not yet been conducted. In this study we make use of electric/magnetic field and plasma density observations by the European Space Agency's Swarm constellation to address the statistical behavior of the Poynting flux. We have found that (1) the Poynting flux is directed mainly from the summer to winter hemisphere, (2) its magnitude is larger before midnight than thereafter, and (3) the magnitude is not well correlated with fluctuation level of in situ plasma density. These results are discussed in the context of previous studies.}, language = {en} } @article{XiongStolleLuehr2016, author = {Xiong, Chao and Stolle, Claudia and L{\"u}hr, Hermann}, title = {The Swarm satellite loss of GPS signal and its relation to ionospheric plasma irregularities}, series = {Space Weather: The International Journal of Research and Applications}, volume = {14}, journal = {Space Weather: The International Journal of Research and Applications}, publisher = {American Geophysical Union}, address = {Washington}, issn = {1542-7390}, doi = {10.1002/2016SW001439}, pages = {563 -- 577}, year = {2016}, abstract = {In this study we investigated conditions for loss of GPS signals observed by the Swarm satellites during a 2 year period, from December 2013 to November 2015. Our result shows that the Swarm satellites encountered most of the total loss of GPS signal at the ionization anomaly crests, between +/- 5 degrees and +/- 20 degrees magnetic latitude, forming two bands along the magnetic equator, and these low-latitude events mainly appear around postsunset hours from 19: 00 to 22: 00 local time. By further checking the in situ electron density measurements of Swarm, we found that practically, all the total loss of GPS signal events at low latitudes are related to equatorial plasma irregularities (EPIs) that show absolute density depletions larger than 10 x 10(11) m(-3); then, the Swarm satellites encountered for up to 95\% loss of GPS signal for at least one channel and up to 45\% tracked less than four GPS satellites (making precise orbit determination impossible). For those EPIs with density depletions less than 10 x 10(11) m(-3), the chance of tracked GPS signals less than four reduces to only 1.0\%. Swarm also observed total loss of all GPS signal at high latitudes, mainly around local noon, and these events are related to large spatial density gradients due to polar patches or increased geomagnetic/auroral activities. We further found that the loss of GPS signals were less frequent after appropriate settings of the Swarm GPS receivers had been updated. However, the more recent period of the mission, e.g., after the GPS receiver settings have been updated, also coincides with less severe electron density depletions due to the declining solar cycle, making GPS loss events less likely. We conclude that both lower electron density gradients and appropriate GPS receiver settings reduce the probability for Swarm satellites loss of GPS signals.}, language = {en} } @article{XiongStolleLuehretal.2016, author = {Xiong, Chao and Stolle, Claudia and Luehr, Hermann and Park, Jaeheung and Fejer, Bela G. and Kervalishvili, Guram N.}, title = {Scale analysis of equatorial plasma irregularities derived from Swarm constellation}, series = {Earth, planets and space}, volume = {68}, journal = {Earth, planets and space}, publisher = {Springer}, address = {Heidelberg}, issn = {1880-5981}, doi = {10.1186/s40623-016-0502-5}, pages = {189 -- 202}, year = {2016}, abstract = {In this study, we investigated the scale sizes of equatorial plasma irregularities (EPIs) using measurements from the Swarm satellites during its early mission and final constellation phases. We found that with longitudinal separation between Swarm satellites larger than 0.4 degrees, no significant correlation was found any more. This result suggests that EPI structures include plasma density scale sizes less than 44 km in the zonal direction. During the Swarm earlier mission phase, clearly better EPI correlations are obtained in the northern hemisphere, implying more fragmented irregularities in the southern hemisphere where the ambient magnetic field is low. The previously reported inverted-C shell structure of EPIs is generally confirmed by the Swarm observations in the northern hemisphere, but with various tilt angles. From the Swarm spacecrafts with zonal separations of about 150 km, we conclude that larger zonal scale sizes of irregularities exist during the early evening hours (around 1900 LT).}, language = {en} } @article{ParkStolleXiongetal.2015, author = {Park, Jaeheung and Stolle, Claudia and Xiong, Chao and L{\"u}hr, Hermann and Pfaff, Robert F. and Buchert, Stephan and Martinis, Carlos R.}, title = {A dayside plasma depletion observed at midlatitudes during quiet geomagnetic conditions}, series = {Geophysical research letters}, volume = {42}, journal = {Geophysical research letters}, number = {4}, publisher = {American Geophysical Union}, address = {Washington}, issn = {0094-8276}, doi = {10.1002/2014GL062655}, pages = {967 -- 974}, year = {2015}, abstract = {In this study we investigate a dayside, midlatitude plasma depletion (DMLPD) encountered on 22 May 2014 by the Swarm and GRACE satellites, as well as ground-based instruments. The DMLPD was observed near Puerto Rico by Swarm near 10 LT under quiet geomagnetic conditions at altitudes of 475-520 km and magnetic latitudes of similar to 25 degrees-30 degrees. The DMLPD was also revealed in total electron content observations by the Saint Croix station and by the GRACE satellites (430 km) near 16 LT and near the same geographic location. The unique Swarm constellation enables the horizontal tilt of the DMLPD to be measured (35 degrees clockwise from the geomagnetic east-west direction). Ground-based airglow images at Arecibo showed no evidence for plasma density depletions during the night prior to this dayside event. The C/NOFS equatorial satellite showed evidence for very modest plasma density depletions that had rotated into the morningside from nightside. However, the equatorial depletions do not appear related to the DMLPD, for which the magnetic apex height is about 2500 km. The origins of the DMLPD are unknown, but may be related to gravity waves.}, language = {en} } @article{SiddiquiLuehrStolleetal.2015, author = {Siddiqui, Tarique Adnan and Luehr, H. and Stolle, Claudia and Park, J.}, title = {Relation between stratospheric sudden warming and the lunar effect on the equatorial electrojet based on Huancayo recordings}, series = {Annales geophysicae}, volume = {33}, journal = {Annales geophysicae}, number = {2}, publisher = {Copernicus}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {0992-7689}, doi = {10.5194/angeo-33-235-2015}, pages = {235 -- 243}, year = {2015}, abstract = {It has been known for many decades that the lunar tidal influence in the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) is noticeably enhanced during Northern Hemisphere winters. Recent literature has discussed the role of stratospheric sudden warming (SSW) events behind the enhancement of lunar tides and the findings suggest a positive correlation between the lunar tidal amplitude and lower stratospheric parameters (zonal mean air temperature and zonal mean zonal wind) during SSW events. The positive correlation raises the question whether an inverse approach could also be developed which makes it possible to deduce the occurrence of SSW events before their direct observations (before 1952) from the amplitude of the lunar tides. This study presents an analysis technique based on the phase of the semi-monthly lunar tide to determine the lunar tidal modulation of the EEJ. A statistical approach using the superposed epoch analysis is also carried out to formulate a relation between the EEJ tidal amplitude and lower stratospheric parameters. Using these results, we have estimated a threshold value for the tidal wave power that could be used to identify years with SSW events from magnetic field observations.}, language = {en} } @article{ParkLuehrStolleetal.2015, author = {Park, J. and Luehr, H. and Stolle, Claudia and Malhotra, G. and Baker, J. B. H. and Buchert, Stephan and Gill, R.}, title = {Estimating along-track plasma drift speed from electron density measurements by the three Swarm satellites}, series = {Annales geophysicae}, volume = {33}, journal = {Annales geophysicae}, number = {7}, publisher = {Copernicus}, address = {G{\"o}ttingen}, issn = {0992-7689}, doi = {10.5194/angeo-33-829-2015}, pages = {829 -- 835}, year = {2015}, abstract = {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.}, language = {en} } @misc{XiongStollePark2018, author = {Xiong, Chao and Stolle, Claudia and Park, Jaeheung}, title = {Climatology of GPS signal loss observed by Swarm satellites}, series = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, journal = {Postprints der Universit{\"a}t Potsdam Mathematisch-Naturwissenschaftliche Reihe}, number = {712}, issn = {1866-8372}, doi = {10.25932/publishup-42739}, url = {http://nbn-resolving.de/urn:nbn:de:kobv:517-opus4-427391}, pages = {15}, year = {2018}, abstract = {By using 3-year global positioning system (GPS)measurements from December 2013 to November 2016, we provide in this study a detailed survey on the climatology of the GPS signal loss of Swarm onboard receivers. Our results show that the GPS signal losses prefer to occur at both low latitudes between ±5 and ±20 ◦ magnetic latitude (MLAT) and high latitudes above 60 ◦ MLAT in both hemispheres. These events at all latitudes are observed mainly during equinoxes and December solstice months, while totally absent during June solstice months. At low latitudes the GPS signal losses are caused by the equatorial plasma irregularities shortly after sunset, and at high latitude they are also highly related to the large density gradients associated with ionospheric irregularities. Additionally, the high-latitude events are more often observed in the Southern Hemisphere, occurring mainly at the cusp region and along nightside auroral latitudes. The signal losses mainly happen for those GPS rays with elevation angles less than 20 ◦ , and more commonly occur when the line of sight between GPS and Swarm satellites is aligned with the shell structure of plasma irregularities. Our results also confirm that the capability of the Swarm receiver has been improved after the bandwidth of the phase-locked loop (PLL) widened, but the updates cannot radically avoid the interruption in tracking GPS satellites caused by the ionospheric plasma irregularities. Additionally, after the PLL bandwidth increased larger than 0.5 Hz, some unexpected signal losses are observed even at middle latitudes, which are not related to the ionospheric plasma irregularities. Our results suggest that rather than 1.0 Hz, a PLL bandwidth of 0.5 Hz is a more suitable value for the Swarm receiver.}, language = {en} }