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Comparison of the USU ionospheric model with the UCL-Sheffield coupled thermospheric-ionospheric modelSeveral physical models of the high-latitude ionosphere have been developed that describe the time-dependent evolution of the E- and F-region plasma density. The models require a variety of inputs, including solar EUV fluxes, magnetospheric convection, auroral precipitation, and neutral atmosphere. Of specific relevance to this study is how the neutral atmosphere is incorporated into the ionospheric models. For the USU ionospheric model, the neutral atmosphere is the MSIS 1986 empirical model, while for the UCL-Sheffield coupled thermospheric-ionospheric model the neutral atmosphere is computed simultaneously with the ionosphere. Both models were run for similar solar and magnetospheric conditions (solar maximum, moderate geomagnetic activity, and winter solstice). Solar maximum conditions ensured a strong coupling between the ionosphere and thermosphere, which provided the possibility of a large ionospheric difference between the two physical models. This was further enhanced by choosing winter conditions so that the densities were not dominated by sunlight. The comparison of the two models indicated that both models predict the same morphological features with similar ionospheric densities, generally within about 30 percent.
Document ID
19920037261
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Sojka, J. J.
(Utah State Univ. Logan, UT, United States)
Schunk, R. W.
(Utah State University Logan, United States)
Rees, D.
(Utah State Univ. Logan, UT, United States)
Fuller-Rowell, T. J.
(University College London, United Kingdom)
Moffett, R. J.
(Utah State Univ. Logan, UT, United States)
Quegan, S.
(Sheffield, University United Kingdom)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1992
Publication Information
Publication: Advances in Space Research
Volume: 12
Issue: 6 19
ISSN: 0273-1177
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
92A19885
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: AF-AFOSR-90-0026
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-89-13230
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1484
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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