Validation of Different Ionospheric Models by Norilsk Station Data

Abstract

According to the Norilsk station data, over the years, with different levels of solar activity, testing of new ionospheric models SIMP and E-CHAIM, designed to improve the determination of the ionospheric parameters in the highlatitude zone, was compared when compared with the IRI model. It is shown that the E-CHAIM model has a large advantage not only in relation to the IRI model, but also to the SIMP model, especially for the hmF2 parameter: the relative deviations σ of the model values from experimental ones are 1.5–2.5 times smaller and for foF2(IRI) have a clear dependence on solar activity, for foF2 (SIMP), the values of σ increase, and for foF2 (E-CHAIM) decrease with increasing solar activity. Comparison of the foF2 of the model (E-CHAIM) with the experiment during the disturbed periods showed that: 1) the experimental data have large gaps, 2) there is good agreement between the model and experimental values if there are data, 3) the model values can be used in the absence of experimental data foF2, 4) the total electron content TEC can play a large role in assessing the state of the ionosphere.