CEDAR Postdoc: Physical Interpretation of Total Electron Content (TEC) Response during Intense Geomagnetic Storms Using Data Assimilation and Physically-Based Models

University Of Colorado At Boulder, Boulder CO

Investigators

Abstract

The morphology of ionospheric total electron content (TEC), and specific electrodynamics that alter TEC, are investigated using combined physics-based and data assimilation models. The postdoctoral research defines ten specific storms for case study, divided into nighttime, daytime, and twilight events. Model results are validated using a combination of incoherent scatter radar data, ionosonde data, and satellite data. By identifying the atmospheric physics that produces changes during magnetic storms, the research improves the liklihood of effective TEC forecasting.