New Index to Characterize Ionospheric Irregularity Distribution

Abstract

Characterization of the global ionospheric irregularities as a function of local time, longitude, altitude, and magnetic activities is still a challenge for radio frequency operations, especially at the low-latitude region. One of the main reasons is lack of observations due to the unevenly distributed instruments. To overcome this constraint, we developed a new spatial density gradient index (DGRI) at two different scale sizes: small scale and medium/large scale. The DGRI is derived from in situ density measurements onboard recently launched constellation of low-Earth-orbiting satellites (COSMIC-2 and ICON) at the rate of 1 Hz. Hence, the DGRI appeared to be suitable parameter that can be used as a proxy to describe the essential features of ionospheric disturbances that may critically affect our radio wave application as well as to identify the “all clear” zone as a function of longitude, latitude, and local time—at a refreshment rate of 30 min or less.