Polar D-Region Modeling: Empirical vs Nowcasted

Abstract

We propose a 3-year effort aimed at modeling the polar D-region ionosphere. The chief scientific question is: Can the polar D-region ionosphere be modeled accurately with knowledge of general geomagnetic conditions (empirical model), or is real-time data collection also necessary (nowcasted model)? Our results will illuminate the best way to integrate D-region modeling into a larger polar ionospheric modeling system.Existing empirical/climatological models of the ionosphere fall short in the polar region, but this is especially true for the D-region due to lack of available data to even build an empirical or climatological model. Recent advances in D-region observation with VLF radio remote sensing, however, can now provide much more `nowcasted data with high spatial and temporalresolution and coverage area, finally allowing the above question to be answered. Our proposal can be summarized into three goals: (1) Collect sufficient data and simulations that allow an empirical model ofthe polar D-region to be built, (2) Build the empirical model and quantify its uncertainty, and(3) Compare the error of the empirical model to a more direct nowcast model based on real-time VLF data collection. Approved for Public Release.

Document Details

Document Type
DoD Grant Award
Publication Date
Apr 12, 2023
Source ID
N000142312111

Entities

People

  • Morris B Cohen

Organizations

  • Georgia Tech Research Corporation
  • Office of Naval Research
  • United States Navy

Tags

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Distributed Systems and Data Platform Development
  • Theoretical Analysis.