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. 2017 Oct 10;17(10):2298.
doi: 10.3390/s17102298.

Efficient Usage of Dense GNSS Networks in Central Europe for the Visualization and Investigation of Ionospheric TEC Variations

Grzegorz Nykiel  1 , Yevgen M Zanimonskiy  2 , Yuri M Yampolski  3 , Mariusz Figurski  4
Affiliations

Efficient Usage of Dense GNSS Networks in Central Europe for the Visualization and Investigation of Ionospheric TEC Variations

Grzegorz Nykiel et al. Sensors (Basel). .

Abstract

The technique of the orthogonal projection of ionosphere electronic content variations for mapping total electron content (TEC) allows us to visualize ionospheric irregularities. For the reconstruction of global ionospheric characteristics, numerous global navigation satellite system (GNSS) receivers located in different regions of the Earth are used as sensors. We used dense GNSS networks in central Europe to detect and investigate a special type of plasma inhomogeneities, called travelling ionospheric disturbances (TID). Such use of GNSS sensors allows us to reconstruct the main TID parameters, such as spatial dimensions, velocities, and directions of their movement. The paper gives examples of the restoration of dynamic characteristics of ionospheric irregularities for quiet and disturbed geophysical conditions. Special attention is paid to the dynamics of ionospheric disturbances stimulated by the magnetic storms of two St. Patrick's Days (17 March 2013 and 2015). Additional opportunities for the remote sensing of the ionosphere with the use of dense regional networks of GNSS receiving sensors have been noted too.

Keywords: GNSS; TEC variation maps; geomagnetic storm; ionospheric disturbances; neutral wind.

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Conflict of interest statement

The authors declare no conflict of interest.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Comparison of ionospheric pierce points (IPPs) distribution for 250 km (blue) and 400 km (red) ionospheric layer heights and for elevation masks >70° (left, one satellite) and <30° (right, three satellites).
Figure 2
Figure 2
Scheme of the total electron content (TEC) mapping method of orthogonal parallel-beam projection (left) and the global positioning system (GPS) reference stations used in this study (right). GNSS: global navigation satellite system.
Figure 3
Figure 3
Planetary K index estimated for 13–20 March 2013 (left) and 13–20 March 2015 (right) and change of TEC values over central Europe during the analyzed time intervals.
Figure 4
Figure 4
Representative examples of TEC variation spatial distribution.
Figure 5
Figure 5
RMS of TEC variations in diurnal cycles: year 2013 (left) and 2015 (right).
Figure 6
Figure 6
Variations in the speed and direction of motion of the background ionospheric irregularities in the diurnal cycle: year 2013 (left) and 2015 (right). Two gray zones mask the uncertain rating of direction and speed during the storms. In the right zone, the legend for the speed vector is shown.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Map of TEC variations over investigated region of 13, March 2013 at 08h50m (left) and of 13, March 2015 at 08h50m (right).
Figure 8
Figure 8
Spatial autocorrelation function (ACF) of TEC variations on 13 March 2013 at 08h50m (left), its central profile and periodogram (right).
Figure 9
Figure 9
Spatial ACF of TEC variations on 13 March 2015 at 08h50m (left), its central profile and periodogram (right).
Figure 10
Figure 10
Profiles of TEC variations along the line A-A’ in Figure 7 from 08h30m to 09h00m on 13 March 2013 (left) and along the line B-B’ from 08h30m to 09h00m on 13 March 2015 (right), in the form of a “waterfall”. The bold line shows the wave pattern trajectory.
Figure 11
Figure 11
Space partitioned structures, which occurred during the geomagnetic storms' active phase. Maps of TEC variations over investigated region on 17 March 2013 at 20h55m (left) and on 17 March 2015 at 16h40m (right).
Figure 12
Figure 12
Profiles of TEC variations, in zones with (a, c) as well without (b, d) active travelling disturbances, along the lines C-C’ and D-D’ in Figure 8 left on 17 March 2013 (a, b) and along the lines E-E’ and F-F’ in Figure 8 right on 17 March 2015 (c, d), in the form of a “waterfall”. The bold lines show the trajectory of the disturbances.
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