Abstract

This study aims to comparing the ionospheric character parameters (NmF₂, hmF₂) from Digisondes over China with data from the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC satellites during 2012 (the solar maximum). Data from three Chinese Ionosonde stations located in Mohe (52.0°N, 122.5°E), Zuoling (31.0°N,114.5°E) and Fuk... Show moreThis study aims to comparing the ionospheric character parameters (NmF₂, hmF₂) from Digisondes over China with data from the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC satellites during 2012 (the solar maximum). Data from three Chinese Ionosonde stations located in Mohe (52.0°N, 122.5°E), Zuoling (31.0°N,114.5°E) and Fuke (19.4°N, 109.0°E) were used in the comparison. The results show that the correlation of the corresponding ionospheric parameters is pretty good and the NmF₂ has a better correlation than hmF₂ has, and the correlation coefficient changes with the latitude and season. The correlations of both NmF₂ and hmF₂ in middle geomagnetic latitudes are higher than those in equatorial ionization anomaly. The correlation coefficients in equatorial ionization anomaly in winter are lower than those in other seasons. The possible reason is that the electron density gradient during winter in the equatorial ionization anomaly is stronger than other seasons. Show less