ONORI EUGENE OGHENAKPOBOR

Physics

At the Physics department office

Appointment on Visitation important

Topic: Ionospheric F2-Layer Variability In The Equatorial Region

Description:

Introduction: The ionosphere F2-layer, located 200-500 km above Earth, is vital for long-distance radio communications and global navigation systems. Understanding its variability, especially in the equatorial region, is essential due to its impact on radio wave propagation, satellite communications, and space weather. This region is marked by intense ionization and complex dynamics influenced by solar activity, geomagnetic storms, and atmospheric tides. The F2-layer's variability affects radio wave paths, signal strength, and navigation system accuracy, posing challenges for communication systems and satellite operations. Therefore, understanding the factors driving this variability is crucial for improving technology reliability and efficiency. Key Research Questions: What are the primary drivers of ionospheric variability in the equatorial region? How do solar and geomagnetic activities impact the F2-layer dynamics? What role do atmospheric tides and planetary waves play in modulating ionospheric variability? How does the equatorial electrojet influence F2-layer dynamics and irregularities? What are the temporal and spatial characteristics of F2-layer variability in the equatorial region? Methodologies: Research methodologies include observational data analysis, numerical modeling, and statistical techniques. Ground-based ionosonde measurements provide data on electron density profiles, while satellite observations offer insights into global ionospheric dynamics. Numerical models, such as ionospheric empirical models and coupled ionosphere-thermosphere models, simulate ionospheric responses to various factors and predict trends. Statistical analyses identify patterns, trends, and correlations among different parameters, enhancing understanding of ionospheric variability. Expected Results: The research focus on the ionospheric F2-layer variability in the equatorial region is essential for advancing our understanding of ionospheric dynamics and their impacts on critical technologies and systems. Knowledge: By addressing key research questions, this research aims to contribute to the development of strategies for mitigating the effects of ionospheric variability and enhancing the resilience of communication and navigation systems in the equatorial region and beyond.

#	Certificate	School	Year
1.	Ph.D (Physics Ionospheric and Radio Propagation Physics )	Department of Physics, Lagos State University LASU , Ojo.	2020

Assessment of the Maximum Electron Density variation and Comparison with IRI-2020 Model during very high and very low Solar Activity

Introduction: The International Reference Ionosphere IRI is the global accepted model for forecasting empirical ionospheric parameters such as electron density, critical frequencies of ionopheric layers. IRI was formed as a united project between the Committee on Space Research COSPAR and the International Union of Radio Science URSI. The IRI working team constantly works on the construction and improvement of the IRI model in predicting the variation of the ionospheric layers. Aim/Objective: The aim of this paper is to show the performance of the latest version of the International Reference Ionosphere IRI-2020 model in predicting the maximum electron density of the F2-layer NmF2 over two equatorial stations during a very high solar activity VHSA year 2001 and a very low solar activity VLSA year 2008. Methodology: The data used in this work are the hourly NmF2 experimental data observed at Ougadougou Geomagnetic Latitude 0.59 oN, Geomagnetic Longitude 71.46 oE and Manila Geomagnetic Latitude 3.4 oN, Geomagnetic Longitude 191.1 oE during VHSA year 1989 and VLSA year 1986 and IRI-2020 model predicted NmF2 data. Analysis was carried out by first grouping the NmF2 data into four different seasons comprising of three months each. The seasonal mean of the IRI-2020 modeled NmF2 will be compared with the experimental NmF2 data and percentage deviation of the model from the experimental data evaluated. Expected Results: The seasonal mean value of the IRI-2020 model of both options are expected to showed remarkable improvement at this two stations, although, the IRI-2020 model underestimates and overestimates the observed NmF2 at certain hours in these stations. The seasonal variation of the experimental NmF2 is expected to shows the presence of winter anomaly. Contribution to Knowledge /Society: The results from the study will help in further updating of the IRI- 2020 model for improvement

ONORI EUGENE is a Senior Lecturer at the Department of Physics

ONORI has a Ph.D in Physics Ionospheric and Radio Propagation Physics from Department of Physics, Lagos State University LASU , Ojo.