Comparison Ionospheric Critical Frequency (foF2) Measurements with IRI-2007 and IRI-2012 Model Predictions at Mid Latitude Station during Low and High Solar Activity

Abstract

Measurements of the critical frequencies, foF2, obtained from ionosonde DPS-4 at a mid latitude station in Rome (geographic coordinates 41.8°N, 12.5°E), Italy, have been compared with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI-2007), (IRI-2012) models using Comite’ Consultatif International Des Radio Communications (CCIR) and Union Radio-Scientific Internationale (URSI) coefficients, during low and high solar activity. The data coverage hourly seasonal values of foF2 for low and high solar activity years 2008 and 2012. By comparing the results of IRI models and measured values of foF2 at Rome, it was found that (1) generally, the foF2 obtained from the (URSI and CCIR Coefficients) for both IRI models are closely follow observed foF2 values. (2) In low solar activity year 2008, both IRI-2007 and IRI-2012 (CCIR and URSI Coefficients) give foF2 values close to the ones measured at Rome. (3) In high solar activity year 2012, the results of IRI-2012 give foF2 values with smaller range of deviation than IRI-2007 results from measured values. The comparative study gives feedback for new improvements of IRI-2012 model.