Review of current and planned activities of the International Space Weather Activity Team on Ionospheric Indices and Scales (ISWAT G2B-04)

Abstract

Ionospheric indices have a high potential to support and contribute fulfilling user requirements in ground and space-based radio system applications such as HF communication, GNSS based safe navigation and precise positioning. Following the discussions at previous COSPAR assemblies, the International Space Weather Activity Team (ISWAT) G2B-04, established in 2021, encourage studies and test runs to specify the effectiveness of different types of ionospheric indices and scales. To fill the current gap in the NOAA SW scales in particular for trans-ionospheric radio system applications is one of the main tasks. Recently, the team has initiated a Coordinated Ionospheric Study on Scales and Indices (CISSI) to enable a comparison of the outcome of different index approaches based on almost identical data sets available at 4 different continental regions in two selected periods in 2015. Preliminary results were reported at recent ISWAT team meetings and are fortunately presented in this PSW.3 session too. Indeed, the team members are encouraged to closely collaborate, interact with customers groups, and present their results at international meetings and in journal publications. In this talk we review the current state and achievements of the ISWAT G2B-04 team activities and in particular, consider future tasks that should be addressed in this team including the contribution to the next COSPAR space weather road map. Key aspects of our future work are: • Enhanced comparative analysis of different indices based on studies utilizing an identical data base. • Identification of specific advantages and drawbacks of different indices focusing both on basic research and practical applications. These efforts are supported by the compilation of fact sheets for all available indices, suggested and discussed by the team members. • Definition of an Ionospheric Scale applicable for a wide spectrum of applications in space-based radio systems in close collaboration with customers e.g. in precise positioning and safety of life navigation • International collaboration in space weather monitoring, warning and forecasting as required, for example by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO), and the need for a ‘common language’ in communication and data exchange. Therefore, definition and standardization of a practically-oriented scale designed for user-friendly space weather services are important tasks.