On developing a new ionospheric perturbation index for space weather operations

Abstract

To better and faster quantify the strength and impact of the ionospheric perturbations, we propose a new index for operational use in communication/navigation systems. Presented here is the analysis of selected events of strong disturbances observed with techniques based on Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) in order to show some insufficiencies when using existing geomagnetic indices. We found that the GNSS Total Electron Content (TEC) measurements and/or derivatives are outstanding candidates for defining a new ionospheric perturbation index, more specialised and therefore more effective. It is believed that the standardization and usage of the proposed perturbation index, together with other indices of similar nature, can prove helpful in reducing the space weather impact on the GNSS-based navigation and positioning.