TITLE:
Determination of Total Electron Content at Equatorial Region—Thailand Using Radio Occultation Technique
AUTHORS:
Wasiu Akande Ahmed, Ganiyu Ishola Agbaje, Sikiru Yommy Aiyeola, Bola O. Balogun, Ngbede Joshua Ada Echoda, Yakubu Abdullahi Onimago, Taiwo Olunuga
KEYWORDS:
TEC, Ionosphere, GPS, Low Earth Orbit, Radio Occultation, Equatorial Zone
JOURNAL NAME:
Atmospheric and Climate Sciences,
Vol.6 No.2,
April
29,
2016
ABSTRACT: This
paper investigates the total electron content (TEC) which is a major challenge
to space and related industries, most especially in an equatorial region like
Thailand within the geographical latitude 07°35'N - 20°17'N. This research was
achieved using radio occultation data from COSMIC mission. The monthly,
seasonal and annual TEC and electron density variation monitoring conducted
during increasing solar activity from 2010 to 2013 due to changes and
instability of ionospheric parameters. It was observed that electron density
and TEC was predominant in summer season. Summer has the highest electron
density and TEC values all through and the annual mean values keep on
increasing within the period under consideration. In conclusion, ionospheric
fluctuations and perturbations were observed to be at pick between the months
of March and May. The results of the study demonstrated that ionospheric
irregularities were steadily on the increase, confirming 24th solar cycle
prediction by NASA and depended on many factors among the major ones which are
located on the latitude, season and solar activity.