Comparison between operational and research simulations with CTIPe model during geomagnetic storm conditions

Abstract

The perturbations in the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system are significant during geomagnetic storm conditions. The response in the ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) system to these conditions can be analyzed with the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Plasmasphere electrodynamics physics based model (CTIPe). We perform simulations using first the inputs that were available in real-time (operational run) and second with the best estimate obtained after the fact (research run), and compare the results. The CTIPe simulations show input dependent global changes in neutral winds, temperature, and composition which are reflected in the global electron density structure. Comparing the research run results with ionosonde, GNSS and CHAMP satellite observations allows validating the CTIPe results and complete the interpretation of the physical mechanisms behind the perturbations during the event.