Global equivalent slab thickness model of the Earth’s ionosphere

The shape of the vertical electron density profile is a result production, loss and transportation plasma in Earth’s ionosphere. Therefore, equivalent slab thickness ionosphere that characterizes width profiles an important parameter for better understanding ionospheric processes under regular as well perturbed conditions. defined by ratio total content over peak therefore easy to compute utilizing powerful data sources nowadays available thanks ground space based GNSS techniques. Here we use from three low earth orbiting (LEO) satellite missions, namely CHAMP, GRACE FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC, obtained numerous stations. For first time, present global model (Neustrelitz Slab Thickness Model – NSTM). approach similar family former approaches successfully applied (TEC), NmF2 corresponding height hmF2 at DLR. description focuses on overall view behaviour function local season, geographic/geomagnetic location solar activity scale. In conclusion, agrees quite with observation within RMS range 70 km. There generally good correlation heat input varies season level activity. However, non-equilibrium conditions, transport dominate thickness. It assumed night-time plasmasphere–ionosphere coupling causes enhanced values like pre-sunrise enhancement. fit provides consistent results mid-latitude bulge (MLB) thickness, described time this paper. Furthermore, recreates anomalies such Night-time Winter Anomaly (NWA) which closely related Mid-latitude Summer (MSNA) Weddell Sea (WSA) Okhotsk (OSA). Further improvements can be achieved using extended considering particular geomagnetic field structure.