Development of Techniques for the Use of DMSP (Defense Meteorology Satellite Program) SSIE (Topside Ionospheric Plasma Monitor) Data in the AWS (air Weather Service) 4D Ionosphere Model
Abstract
Techniques for improved use of topside ionosphere observations within the Air Weather Service 4D ionosphere model system are investigated. Topside observations are available at the Air Force Global Weather Central from the Topside Ionospheric Plasma Monitor (SSIE) on the Block 5D DMSP satellites. The investigations cover three study areas: 1) improvements to the topside ionospheric electron density profile model used within the 4D model, 2) improvements to the ionospheric data preprocessors in the 4D model system, and 3) improvements to the 4D model. Results are presented for tasks completed during the second year of the project. A parametrization of the topside electron density profile was developed based on a two component diffusive equilibrium representation of the ionosphere. This topside model can use the entire data set from the SSIE sensor to specify the profile or, if some data are unavailable, it will use an empirical model of the height 0(+) to H(+) transition height to construct the profile. A method was developed for generating grids of the 840km electron density from observations along an orbit track, and a computer program was written to test the method. This program was also used to investigate joint analyses of N sub e (840) and Total Electron Content observations.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 20, 1985
- Accession Number
- ADA176412
Entities
People
- James A. Secan
Organizations
- Air Force Research Laboratory