Critical frequency and maximum electron density of F2 region over middle and

EZQUER R.G., M. A. CABRERA, J. L. LÓPEZ , M. R. ALBORNOZ , M. MOSERT , P. MARCÓ.

Kagoshima, Japon

Workshop; IRI Workshop 2009; 2009

Kagoshima University

Ionosonde measurements obtained at College (64.9°N, 212.0°E), Goose Bay (53.39°N, 299.7°E), Boulder (40°N, 254.7°E), Wallops Island (37.9°N, 284.5°E) and Buenos Aires (34.6°S, 301.7°E) during low solar activity years were used to check the performance of International Reference Ionosphere model to predict the critical frequency of the F2 region (foF2). Data of northern stations were obtained from the University of Massachusetts Lowell DIDBase through internet and correspond to 2005 (23 < Rz12 < 33). Those of Buenos Aires were obtained in 1994 (26 < Rz12 < 34). CCIR and URSI options were used to model calculations. The results show that the modelled values given for Boulder and Goose Bay are better than those given for the other stations. For both stations, in general, the deviations between modelled and measured foF2 are lower than 20%. Cases with very good agreement between predictions and measurements have been obtained for Boulder. The worst predictions are given for high latitude station and Buenos Aires. The effects of these disagreements on ionospheric modelling are stressed. Additional studies considering other solar activities are needed.