Geomagnetic modification of the mid-latitude ionosphere - Toward a strategy for the improved forecasting of f0F2

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 00:00:00 EST 1989 · Radio Sci.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/RS024i001p00099· OSTI ID:5810512

Wrenn, G L; Rodger, A S

An approach for modeling and forecasting the interspatial critical frequency (f0F2) at quiet and disturbed times is outlined. Statistical analyses of ionosonde data from the Argentine Islands (65 deg S) are used to define patterns for the main phase effects of midlatitude ionospheric storms. Extended to a number of stations, these could be incorporated into algorithms to permit the forecasting of maximum usable frequency for a few hours ahead and enhance the frequency management of shortwave radio communication, especially during a geomagnetic storm. Data from a complete solar cycle, 1971-1981, are used to determine the errors in the forecasts and to demonstrate that a useful advantage can be attained by this method. The rms error in f0F2 for 90,175 samples is 15.6 percent, which compares favorably with those obtained using forecasts based on quiet time values (20.4 percent) or the previous day's measurements (18 percent). 12 references.

• Research Organization: Royal Aerospace Establishment, Farnborough (England); NERC, British Antarctic Survey, Cambridge (England)
• OSTI ID: 5810512
• Journal Information: Radio Sci.; (United States), Vol. 24
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CRITICAL FREQUENCY
FORECASTING
F2 LAYER
ANNUAL VARIATIONS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
ERRORS
IONOSPHERIC STORMS
MAGNETIC STORMS
SOLAR CYCLE
STATISTICS
WAVE PROPAGATION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
F REGION
IONOSPHERE
MATHEMATICS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
VARIATIONS
640201* - Atmospheric Physics- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena