TITLE:
Analysis and Estimation of the Vertical Drift Velocity from the Ionization Production Velocity in Correspondence with Radar Data from Jicamarca and IRI 2020
AUTHORS:
Abdoul Kader Segda, Salfo Kaboré, Aristide Gybre, Madougou Saidou, Frédéric Ouattara
KEYWORDS:
Speed, Drift, Production, Jicamarca, IRI
JOURNAL NAME:
Journal of Applied Mathematics and Physics,
Vol.13 No.8,
August
22,
2025
ABSTRACT: This study presents an analytical model for estimating the ionospheric vertical drift velocity. This model is based on the time derivative of a proposed formula for solar radiation power, which yields an “ionization production velocity”. A key model parameter, the “production factor” (k), is calibrated against published radar data from Jicamarca and IRI-2020 model outputs to generate diurnal drift profiles for specific equatorial locations. Thus, referring to the evening peak of the radar data from Jicamarca, the model by the production speed shows that 1) for the same latitude, the higher the production factor, the greater the drift or production speed and 2) for two geographical positions of different latitudes and: a) For the same drift or production speed, the further one moves away from the equator, the more the production factor decreases. b) For the same production factor, the further one moves away from the equator, the greater the production or drift speed. With IRI 2020 we arrive at the same conclusions across the two cities of Conakry and Sikasso. Sikasso, being further from the equator than Conakry presents a smaller production factor 236.19 against 240.69 with a drift speed of 31.89 m·s−1 for the 6 H peak and 27.11 m·s−1 for the 14 H peak while Conakry presents respectively 30.02 m·s−1 and 25.52 m·s−1. As for the average speed, Conakry presents an average speed from 0 H to 24 H of 15.90 m·s−1 while Sikasso is 16.99 m·s−1. IRI 2020 offers almost the same peak drift speeds but at noon with however discrepancies for the morning peaks. However, there are other estimation methods. Finally, the production method is important because it allows for different modeling.