Near real time IRI correction by TEC-GPS data

The Total Electron Content (TEC) is globally monitored and is an important characteristic, which contains information regarding the global dynamics of the ionosphere. These TEC data can be used for adjustment of the median ionosphere models and, consequently, for the real time control of HF -links. We review and analyze the methods used for correcting the IRI model. The results of various correction methods are compared. Any correction method studied is shown to improve (1.5-2 times) the agreement between the model predictions and measured values of foF2 (MUF). The correction methods are particularly effective during geomagnetic disturbances. The method correcting the topside contribution to TEC gives the best results. Examples of specific links show how TEC data influences the propagation conditions for HF signal.