Ionospheric storm characteristics and capabilities for describing their potential impact on radio systems

Abstract

Although each ionospheric storm has its individual face, there are common features which are worth to be studied in particular for mitigating or forecasting ionospheric perturbation impact on radio systems such as Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Statistical studies based on a superposed epoch analysis revealed significant differences between winter and summer storms at the European sector. Winter storms are characterised by a pronounced positive phase whereas summer storms show a deep ionization depression propagating from high to mid-latitudes. Statistical and case studies have clearly indicated the action of the convection electric field from the Northern polar cap area down to 30°N during the onset phase of big storms. For characterizing ionospheric perturbations in operational GNSS applications the establishment of an ionospheric perturbation index is suggested.