Data assimilation in the ionosphere-thermosphere system

Abstract

Solar forcing from above, atmospheric forcing (wave activity) from below, and various internal multiscale dynamics including the equatorial dynamo process influence the ionosphere-thermosphere (IT) system. The so-called self-consistent numerical models of the IT system depend on boundary conditions and rely on many assumptions and simplifications. Data assimilation (DA) is arguably essential for space weather forecasting due to the inaccurate and incomplete modelling and the scarcity of observations of the IT system. In this talk, we will present some of our recent developments in the assimilation of IT data into numerical models, with emphasis on the ensemble Kalman filter technique as well as tomography and DA-based calibration of empirical models.