Validation of IRI-2007 against TEC observations during low solar activity over Indian sector

Published values of Total Electron Content (TEC) measured by ATS-6 are used to assess the latest available IRI-2007 model during solar minimum over Indian sector covering equatorial to low-mid-latitudes stations. The study reveals that during all seasons and at all locations, in general, the TEC predicted by NeQuick and IRI01-corr options provided in the IRI-2007 model shows much better agreement with the TEC observations as compared to those generated by IRI-2001.option. TEC predicted using NeQuick option found to be little more closer to the observation except at equatorial station during daytime, while IRI-2001 option highly overestimates the TEC in all seasons and times.     

Comparison between IRI-2001 predictions and observed measurements of hmF2 over three high latitude stations during different solar activity periods

The monthly median values of the height of peak electron density of the F2-layer (hmF2) derived from ionosonde measurements at three high latitude stations, namely Narssarssuaq (NAR) (61.2 °N, 314.6 °E), Sondrestrom (SON) (67°N, 309.1°E) and College (COL) (69.9°N, 212.2°E) were analyzed and compared with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2001) model, using Comité Consultatif International des Radio communications) (CCIR and Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale (URSI) options. The analysis covers hmF2 values for March Equinox (February, March, April), June Solstice (May, June, July), September Equinox (August, September, October), and December Solstice (November, December, January), during periods of high (2000–2001), medium (2004–2005) and low (2007–2008) solar activity. Generally, the IRI-2001 prediction follow fairly well the diurnal and seasonal variation patterns of the observed values of hmF2 at all the stations. However, IRI-2001 overestimates and underestimates hmF2 at different times of the day for all solar activity periods and in all the seasons considered. The percentage deviation never exceeded 20%, except during DEC SOLS at COL and SON and during MARCH EQUI at SON during low solar activity period. For all solar activity periods considered, both the URSI and CCIR options of the IRI-2001 model give hmF2 values close to the ones measured, but the URSI option performed better than the CCIR option.     

Global distribution and climatological features of the 5–6-day planetary waves seen in the SABER/TIMED temperatures (2002–2007)

The paper is focused on the global spatial structure, seasonal and interannual variability of the ～5-day Rossby (W1) and ～6-day Kelvin (E1) waves derived from the SABER/TIMED temperature measurements for 6 full years (January 2002–December 2007). The latitude structure of the ～5-day W1 wave is related to the gravest symmetric wave number 1 Rossby wave. The vertical structure of the ～5-day Rossby wave amplitude consists of double-peaked maxima centred at ～80–90 km and ～105–110 km. This wave has a vertically propagating phase structure from the stratosphere up to 120 km altitude with a mean vertical wavelength of ～50–60 km. The ～6-day E1 wave is an equatorially trapped wave symmetric about the equator and located between 20°N and 20°S. Its seasonal behaviour indicates some equinoctial and June solstice amplifications, while the vertical phase structure indicates that this is a vertically propagating wave between 20–100 km altitudes with a mean vertical wavelength of ～25 km.     

GPS-based ionospheric corrections for single frequency radar altimetry

The global ionospheric total electron content maps (GIMs) provide integrated electron densities between the ground and the GPS satellite altitude (20,200 km). Satellite altimeter ionospheric delay corrections require integrated electron densities between the ground and altimeter satellite altitude. In the case of the Geosat Follow-On (GFO) spacecraft, flying at 800 km, we estimated that using GIM TEC data alone, up to a 2 cm path delay can be introduced into the GFO measurements for high solar activity period by not taking into account the electron content above this altitude. Furthermore, the GIMs can have errors of 20–30 TECU in low latitudes for high solar activity in areas where there is little GPS data (such as over the oceans). In this paper, we describe the results of ingesting GIM TEC data into the International Reference Ionosphere model (IRI-95) to mitigate these two effects.     

Anisotropy and temporal variations in the fast azimuth of the fast shear wave beneath southern Kamchatka during 1993–2002

Parameters of split shear waves from local earthquakes in the area of the PET IRIS station (town of Petropavlovsk-Kamchatski) were measured over the period 1993–2002 for the study of anisotropic properties of rocks in the subduction zone and variations in the fast azimuth of the fast shear wave (?). The dominating fast shear wave polarization directions were oriented in 1993–2002 along N90°E ± 20° in agreement with the direction of the Pacific plate motion. The normalized shear wave delay times δt _SS increase to a depth of 150 km. The values of δt _SS are largest (up to 20 ms/km) for earthquakes at depths of 50–60 and 90–150 km and smallest (up to 6 ms/km) for earthquakes at depths greater than 200 km. The fast azimuths for events with H < 80 km are described in terms of a horizontal transversely isotropic (HTI) model of the medium, with the axis oriented northward. Temporal variations in the fast azimuths with an amplitude of up to 90° and a predominant period of about 400–600 days are observed for events at depths of 80–120 km. The anisotropy of rocks is described by effective models of the orthorhombic and HTI symmetries. The predominant fast shear wave fast azimuths from events at depths of 120–310 km vary with time: the polarization axis was oriented to the north in 1993–1995, to the north and east in 1996–1998, to the east in 1999–2000, and to the northeast and southeast in 2001–2002. The anisotropy of rocks can be described in terms of the HTI model with the symmetry axis subparallel to the focal zone dip.     

Equatorial ionosphere: IRI and NeQuick modeling vs. radio tomographic imaging

The outputs of the IRI-2001 and NeQuick ionospheric models are compared with radio tomographic (RT) images of the ionosphere near the crest of the equatorial anomaly (EA) between Manila and Shanghai (about 850 cross sections overall). The values of the slant total electron content measured in an RT experiment as opposed to the corresponding values derived from the IRI-2001 and NeQuick models are analyzed. A comparison of model cross sections and ionosonde measurements revealed discrepancies in the critical frequencies of the ionospheric F2 layer, which were the strongest in the region of high spatial gradients close to the crest of the EA. The specific features of the dynamics of the EA are discussed based on the results of the models and radio tomography. Our analysis has shown that the IRI-2001 and NeQuick models mainly reproduce the “plasma fountain effect” but are incapable of recognizing the stable structural features of the EA observed on RT reconstructions, for example, the daytime orientation of the mature core of the EA parallel to geomagnetic field lines. A method to correct the IRI-2001 and NeQuick models in the vicinity of the EA crest is suggested.     

利用GPS和水准测量资料反演2001年昆仑山口西8.1级地震的同震滑动分布

通过分析 2 0 0 1年昆仑山口西MS8.1地震前后的GPS资料和 1 979— 2 0 0 2年的水准测量资料 ,获得了地表同震位移场。利用这些同震位移数据 ,以震后详细野外地质调查破裂数据为约束 ,反演了破裂断层面上的同震滑动分布。结果表明 ,破裂下界深度为 1 4 .2～ 2 1km(70 %置信区间 ) ,最佳破裂深度 1 7km。虽然在太阳湖段和主破裂带西端的中间区域未观测到地表破裂 ,但反演的结果表明此区域存在 2～ 3m左右的左旋水平走滑 ,与InSAR资料分析得到的结果一致。地表以下的破裂西端止于太阳湖段 ,而东端似乎在地表破裂迹线以东 30km范围内仍存在 1 .5～ 2 .0m的左旋滑动。反演的垂直位移表明断层在东经 93°以西部分大体表现为南盘上升 ,而东经 93°以东部分表现为北盘上升。由大地测量和地表破裂调查得到的地震矩释放为 6 .1× 1 0 2 0 N·m ,与地震波资料的反演结果基本一致     

华北及周边地区上地幔P波速度结构

本文基于层析成像方法研究了华北及其邻区(30°N~43°N,100°E~130°E)的上地幔P波速度结构.该区域是我国地震活动强烈的地区之一,曾多次发生破坏性地震,地质构造十分复杂.本研究采用中国数字化地震台网1996~2002年和中国科学院地质与地球物理所（IGGCAS）流动地震台阵2001~2003年地震记录中的P波走时,挑选了6870个地震事件,其中包括1382个区域地震事件,5488个远震事件.在对实际资料反演之前,进行了分辨率测试以确定反演结果的可靠性,对反演中不同参数对结果的影响做了分析,以确定最佳的的模型和参数.根据上述分析,以水平方向1°×1°,垂直方向以5 km、15 km、30 km为间隔划分网格,并建立初始速度模型,采用伪弯曲射线追踪方法计算走时和射线路径,通过基于LSQR算法的反演重建了研究区域40 km以下、480 km以上的三维P波速度结构.成像结果显示：（A）研究区域西南部的四川盆地北部在40 km以上为明显的低速异常,40 km以下一直到360 km均为高速异常;（B）华北盆地在90 km之上高速异常比较明显,而在120 km~360 km的深度,低速异常为区域主要特征,它与渤海湾地区的低速区连接,形成地幔楔,随着深度的增加,由于太平洋俯冲板块的影响,华北盆地和渤海湾地区下的高速异常突出.     

Assessment of soil erosion and sediment delivery ratio using remote sensing and GIS： a case study of upstream Chaobaihe River catchment, north China

Soil erosion in catchment areas reduces soil productivity and causes a loss of reservoir capacity. Several parametric models have been developed to predict soil erosion at drainage basins, hill slopes and field levels. The well-known Universal Soil Loss Equation （USLE） represents a standardized approach. Miyun reservoir, which sits on Chaobaihe River, is the main surface source of drinking water for Beijing, the capital of China. Water and soil loss are the main reasons for sediment to enter a reservoir. Sediment yield is assessed using a version of the universal soil loss equation modified by Chinese researchers. All year 2001 and 2002 data for factors in the equation are obtained from remote sensing or collected to form an analysis database. These factors are computed and mapped using Geographic Information System tools. Based on the complex database, the modified model is developed. Through pixel-based computing the sediment yield per hydrological unit is calculated. The model does not consider sediment deposition occurring on hillslopes. Gross soil loss is often higher than the sum of those measured at catchment outlets. The sediment delivery ratio （SDR） per hydrological unit is also computed. This study analyzes the main contributions of sediment yields on sub-basins of the Chaobaihe River to the Miyun Reservoir, and discusses the possible reasons for the difference between SDRs in 2001 and 2002 at different outlets. The result shows that in the upper basin of the Miyun Reservoir, in 2001 the area of erosion that could be neglected was 8,202.76 km^2, the area of low erosion 3,269.59 km^2, the area of moderate erosion 3,400.97 km^2, the area of high erosion 436.89 km^2, the area of strong erosion 52.19 km^2 and the area of severe erosion 3.13 km^2. The highest soil loss was 70,353 t/km^2. yr in Fengning County in 2001, followed by 64,418 t/km^2. yr by Chicheng County in 2001. The SDR in 2002 was lower than that in 2001. The main reasons are the decreasing rainfall erosivity and total runoff.     

Comparison of satellite measurements of the low-latitude nighttime upper ionosphere with IRI

In this paper, we report the results of our comparison study between satellite measurements and the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model on the seasonal and longitudinal changes of the low-latitude nighttime topside ionosphere during the period of solar maximum from June 2000 to July 2001. Satellite measurements were made by KOMPSAT-1 and DMSP F15 at 685 km altitude and 840 km altitude, respectively. The results show that the IRI2001 model gives reasonable density estimations for the summer hemisphere and the March equinox at both altitudes. However, the observed wintertime densities are smaller than the predictions of the IRI2001 model, especially at a higher (840 km) altitude, manifesting strong hemispheric asymmetries. The observed electron temperatures generally reside between the two estimations of IRI2001, one based on the Aeros–ISIS data and the other based on Intercosmos, and the latter estimation better represents the observations. With more or less monotonic increase with latitude, the temperature profiles of the IRI2001 model do not predict the enhancement seen around 15° magnetic latitude of the winter hemisphere. Longitudinal variation, probably caused by the zonal winds, is seen in all seasons at both altitudes, while the IRI2001 model does not show a large variation. The observed density and temperature show significant changes according to the F10.7 values in the whole low-latitude region from 40°S to 40°N geomagnetic latitude. The effect is manifested as increases in the density and temperature, but not in the hemispheric asymmetry or in the longitudinal variation.     

TEC measurements and modelling over Southern Africa during magnetic storms; a comparative analysis

This paper presents the results from a study designed to investigate the ability of a newly developed neural network (NN) based model to follow total electron content (TEC) dynamics over the Southern African region. The investigation is carried out by comparing results from the NN model with actual TEC data derived from Global Positioning System (GPS) observations and TEC values predicted by the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2007) model during magnetic storm periods over Southern Africa. The magnetic storm conditions chosen for the study presented in this paper occurred during the periods 16–21 April 2002, 1–6 October 2002, and 28 October–01 November 2003. A total of six South African GPS stations were used for the validation of the two models during these periods. A statistical analysis of the comparison between the actual TEC behaviour and that predicted by the two models is shown. In addition, ionosonde measurements from the South African Louisvale (28.5°S, 21.2°E) station, located close to one of the validation GPS stations used, are also considered during the Halloween storm period of 28–31 October 2003. The generalisation of TEC behaviour by the NN model is demonstrated by producing predicted TEC maps during magnetic storm periods over South Africa. Presented results demonstrate the ability of NNs in predicting TEC variability over South Africa during magnetically disturbed conditions, and highlight areas for improvement.     

The variability of foF2 in different phases of solar cycle 23

In this paper we examined the variations of the foF2 with solar activity for different local time and different seasons. Beside this we evaluated International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) models at different phases of solar cycle 23, different latitudes and different local time. We studied F2 layer critical frequency (foF2) of the ionosphere by using the flare index calculated by the Kandilli Observatory. For this purpose, we identified the months similar with high flare activity during the solar cycle 23. We chose 6 months which represented the different phases (ascending branch, maximum and descending branch) of the solar cycle. We also took into account the fact that these months were in different seasons. The hourly monthly means of observed foF2 data from four ionosonde stations for 6 months were calculated. On the other hand, the identical foF2 values of the same months were calculated for the year 1996, which is the minimum year of the previous solar activity cycle. We subtracted the foF2 values of 1996 from the values of the selected months of the last solar cycle to obtain the residuals, Δ(foF2). Then the magnitude of the residuals is compared through the cycle. We used IRI-2007 as well as IRI-2001 models to see the degree of deviation of the observed results from the predicted ones. We found that the predicted values of the ΔfoF2, which are calculated by the IRI-2007, fitted well with the observed Δ(foF2) and showed that the Δ(foF2) are dependent on the solar cycle variations in general.     

Trends and anomalies in sea-surface temperature,observed over the last 60 years,within the southeastern Bay of Biscay

The Oceanographic Society of Gipuzkoa has recorded daily sea-surface temperature (SST) measurements, since 2nd July 1946, on a (nearly) daily basis. Sixty years of SST measurements (1947–2007) have been considered, in order to analyse the hydrographic trends and anomalies at the southeastern Bay of Biscay. The study reviews initially the consistency and reliability of the time-series; and trends and anomaly patterns. Then, the periodicity of the series; a reference period, for analysing seasonality during the period 2001–2007; and oceano-meteorological coupling within the period 2001–2007, with reference to the baseline period, have been determined. Within this context, a slight cooling trend has been observed for the whole of the time-series, in contrast to the warming over the last three-decadal period. Regarding the periodicity of the series, several cycles have been identified, with periods of about 8, 11 and 18 years; these represent the influence of climate cycles over the (local) SST series. Additionally, seasonal anomaly patterns between 2001 and 2007 have been examined based upon the selected reference period (1980–2002). Several extreme seasonal events have been observed, such as warm summer SST values in 2003 and 2006 and cold winter values in 2005. Such events can be explained by the “deseasonality” phenomenon, observed throughout the study period. In addition to the direct influence of atmospherical parameters, such as air temperature and irradiance on SST, dynamical variables (turbulence and upwelling–downwelling) account also for this coupling. Overall, despite the marginal location and surface character of the time-series, it reveals anomalies that agree with those described for larger zones of the northeastern Atlantic Ocean; hence, it can be characterised as being a reliable and representative long-term SST series.     

Source parameters for the M<Subscript>w</Subscript> = 6.6, 03 February 2002, Çay Earthquake (Turkey) and aftershocks from GPS,Southwestern Turkey

The 03 February 2002 Çay Earthquake (M_w ～6.7) occurred on the fault segment between Eber and Ak?ehir Lakes followed by a large aftershock (M_w ～5.6) near the western end of the fault and two sequential aftershocks. We computed the coseismic surface displacements from static GPS measurements to determine the fault geometry parameters and uniform slip components. The coseismic displacements were obtained through combining the regional pre-earthquake and post-earthquake GPS data. Fault geometry and slips were acquired through the inversion of GPS data modeling the events as elastic dislocations in a half-space and assuming all four events took place on the same fault plane. Results suggest that one-segment fault of ～33 km length and dipping ～43° northward suffices to model the dislocation, assuming uniform slip distribution with 0.51 m dip slip, 0.26 m left-lateral slip extending to a depth down to ～11.5 km which is consistent with seismological evidence. The results also verify the normal faulting in the eastern flank of Isparta Angle which has long been assumed as a thrusting structure. While the available data cannot identify the four individual events on the same day, an attempted distributed slip model differentiates dip slip and left-lateral slips near the hypocenter with maximum values of ～1 and 0.6 m, respectively.     

Observations of short-period waves with an all-sky camera in the infrared airglow above Yakutsk

The parameters of internal gravity waves detected based on the variations in the hydroxyl molecule emission are statistically analyzed. The wave structures were registered with an all-sky infrared camera at Maimaga optical station (? = 63° N, λ = 129.5° E). The data obtained in the winter period of 1998–2002 are analyzed. In total, 162 waves, the majority of which propagated westward, were recorded. The wavelengths vary from 15.4 to 100 km (the average value is ～31 km); the observed horizontal phase velocities change from 19 to 166 m/s (the average value is ～60 m/s), and the estimated periods are 9–90 min (the average value is ～11 min). The statistical characteristics of the waves do not differ from those of similar waves at middle and low latitudes. The azimuthal dependence of the wave propagation direction is consistent with the theory of wave filtration by a background wind in the middle atmosphere. Probable sources of the waves are mountain ranges located at a distance of 200 km east of the observation site. Somewhat greater values of the mean wavelength and wave propagation velocities than those recorded at lower latitudes may be due to the lower loss of energy and velocity of the waves during their propagation from the source to the mesosphere, although other causes are not ruled out. Ripple-type waves have the same direction of propagation as band-type waves.     

Comparisons of observed ionospheric F2 peak parameters with IRI-2001 predictions over South Africa

The monthly means of the ionospheric F2 peak parameters (foF2 and hmF2) over three stations in South Africa (Grahamstown, 33.3°S, 26.5°E, Madimbo, 22.4°S, 26.5°E, and Louisvale, 28.5°S, 21.2°E) were analyzed and compared with IRI-2001, using CCIR (Comité Consultatif International des Radio communications) and URSI (Union Radio-Scientifique Internationale coefficients) options. The analysis covers a few selected quiet and disturbed days during various seasons represented by the months of January, April, July and October 2003. IRI-2001 generally overestimates hmF2 for both quiet and disturbed days and it overestimates and underestimates foF2 at different times for all the stations. In general, foF2 is predicted more accurately by IRI-2001 than hmF2, and on average, the CCIR option performed better than the URSI option when predicting both foF2 and hmF2.In general, the model generates good results, although some improvements are still necessary to be implemented in order to obtain better predictions. There are no significant differences in the model predictions of hmF2 and foF2 for quiet and disturbed days.     

资源一号卫星星内粒子探测器与神舟二号X射线探测器对高能电子探测的比较分析

利用资源一号卫星和神舟二号留轨舱上搭载的高能粒子探测设备对2001年2～6月同一时段内的资料进行了对比分析. 神舟二号飞船X射线探测器的观测结果反映的空间高能电子的分布, 表明在400km的较低高度上, 地理纬度40°附近以及SAA地区也可以观测到数百keV的高能电子. 资源一号卫星的探测结果显示了在800km高度附近, 同一时段内若干兆电子伏特的高能电子的全球分布. 后者出现的最低地理纬度和相应的经度位置则和前者是一致的, 说明两个高度上高能粒子的分布仍然都受地磁场控制, 粒子主要来源于地球辐射带. 资源一号卫星高能粒子探测器的能挡与神舟二号飞船X射线探测器的能挡不同, 彼此可以较好地补充. 但由于神舟二号轨道倾角较低, 全面的对比也受到一定的局限, 在进一步深入分析现有资料的同时, 可以在本文基础上设计更好的联合探测方案.     

Modelling and estimation of different components of streamflow for Gangotri Glacier basin,Himalayas / Modélisation et estimation des différentes composantes de l'écoulement fluviatile du bassin du Glacier Gangotri,Himalaya

Abstract

The understanding of the runoff generation processes is reviewed and simulation of daily streamflow is reported for the Gangotri Glacier basin (Central Himalayas) with area of ～556 km², of which ～286 km² is occupied by the glaciers, and altitude of 4000 to 7000 m.a.s.l. A hydro-meteorological database was established by collecting meteorological and hydrological data near the snout of the glacier for four melt seasons (2000–2003) covering the period from May to October every year. Flow was simulated using a snowmelt model (SNOWMOD) based on the temperature index approach. Two years (2000 and 2001) of the four-year data set were used to calibrate the model, and the remaining two years (2002 and 2003) were used for verification. The study was carried out during the ablation period, as the availability of data was restricted to that period, responsible for a major part of the runoff. The model performed well for both calibration and verification periods. The overall efficiency of the model, R ², was 0.96 and the difference in volume of computed and observed streamflow was ?2.5%, indicating a good model performance. Simulation of different components of streamflow clearly indicates that almost all the high peaks are attributed to melt. The model was also used to estimate the respective contributions by melt and rainfall to the total seasonal flow: for summer runoff, these were estimated to be about 97% and 3%. Such studies are very useful for the planning and management of water resources in high-altitude areas and for designing hydropower projects.     

Comparison between IRI predictions and digital ionosonde measurements of hmF2 at New Delhi during low and moderate solar activity

This paper deals with the diurnal and seasonal variations of height of the peak electron density of the F2-layer (hmF2) derived from digital ionosonde measurements at a low–middle-latitude station, New Delhi (28.6°N, 77.2°E, dip 42.4°N). Diurnal and seasonal variations of hmF2 are examined and comparisons of the observations are made with the predictions of the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2001) model. Our study shows that during both the moderate and low solar activity periods, the diurnal pattern of median hmF2 reveals a more or less similar trend during all the seasons with pre-sunrise and daytime peaks during winter and equinox except during summer, where the pre-sunrise peak is absent. Comparison of observed median hmF2 values with the IRI during moderate and low solar activity periods, in general, reveals an IRI overestimation in hmF2 during all the seasons for local times from about 06 LT till midnight hours except during summer for low solar activity, while outside this time period, the observed hmF2 values are close to the IRI predictions. The hmF2 representation in the IRI model does not reproduce pre-sunrise peaks occurring at about 05 LT during winter and equinox as seen in the observations during both the solar activity periods. The noontime observed median hmF2 values increase by about 10–25% from low (2004–2005) to high solar activity (2001–2002) during winter and equinox, while the IRI in the same time period and seasons shows an increase of about 10–20%. During summer, however, the observed noontime median hmF2 values show a little increase with the solar activity, as compared to the IRI with an increase of about 12%.     

缅甸弧及邻区的壳幔S波速度结构与动力学过程

用适配滤波频时分析技术处理了锡龙（SHIO）、清迈（CHTO）、昆明（KMI）和拉萨LSA）台记录的长周期数字化面波记录,获取了穿过缅甸弧及周边地区的530条路径的Rayleigh波频散,这些频散的周期范围为10.45～105.03 s.在此基础上,以分格频散反演方法从混合路径频散中提取了1°×1°网格内的纯路径频散,并且由网格内的纯路径频散反演出深达200 km的S波速度结构,最后重建了缅甸弧及周边地区的S波速度三维结构.所得结果表明：大致以实皆断裂为分界,其东部地壳波速较低,其西部地壳波速较高.印度-缅甸地区岩石圈厚度为110～130 km,上地幔顶部S波速度为43～4.4 km/s;而缅甸弧东侧的滇缅泰地块下方为一低速地幔柱上涌区,其宽度为150～200 km左右,这里的岩石圈厚度为70～80 km,上地幔顶部S波速度为41～4.2 km/s.另外,S波速度结构还反映出这一构造格局呈南北向的空间展布,并且与该区地震震源分布、断裂走向、火山分布有很好的对应关系.