Investigating The Impact Of Geomagnetic Storms On Zenith Total Delay
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Date
2024
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Busitema University
Abstract
Geomagnetic storms pose a significant threat to modern communication systems and
navigation technologies. They cause disturbances in the earth’s magnetic fields,
ionosphere, and troposphere, leading to variation in zenith total delay (ZTD), which
can result into position and navigation errors. The ZTD is a critical parameter
affecting Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and radio communication
networks.
This study investigated the impact of geomagnetic storms on zenith total delay ZTD);
the research was structured around three primary objectives, That’s; identifying
geomagnetic storms, determining the diurnal variation of ZTD, and analyzing ZTD
variations during geomagnetic storm events.
To identify geomagnetic storms, the study utilized data for the Distance storm time
(Dst) index, which measures geomagnetic activity. In this study, three intense storms
that occurred on March 18th, 2015, June 23rd, 2015, and December 20, 2015 were
identified with Dst index values of −234nT, −198nT, and −166nT, respectively.
The results of this study show a distinct diurnal pattern, with ZTD values peaking in
the afternoon and reaching their lowest levels during the early morning hours, with
peak values of around 2.5 metres in the magnetic crest regions and with peak values
of 1.8 metres in the magnetic equator regions.
To assess the impact of geomagnetic storms on ZTD, the ZTD measurements during
the identified storm dates were compared with the diurnal variation. The analysis of
this research show that during the storms, ZTD varied up to 2.9 metres in the
magnetic crest regions and up to 1.9 metres in the magnetic equator regions, with
maximum deviations from quiet-day values of 0.1meter, that’s ZTD increased by
approximately 10% during storm periods, implying a disruption in the regular diurnal
cycle. These deviations are attributed to ionospheric perturbations caused by
enhanced geomagnetic activity, which increases the electron content in the ionosphere
and consequently affects the delay of GPS signals.
These findings reveal that the intensity and duration of the storms increase the
magnitude and duration of ZTD variations. These findings have important
implications for improving the accuracy and reliability of satellite-based applications
during space weather events.
Understanding these impacts is crucial for improving the reliability of communication
and navigation systems during space weather events. Further research is
recommended to develop predictive models that can mitigate the adverse effects of
geomagnetic storms on ZTD and communication systems.
Key words: geomagnetic storms, zenith total delay, GNSS, communication systems,
ionosphere, troposphere, space weather.
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Citation
Mulabbi, E. (2024). Investigating The Impact Of Geomagnetic Storms On Zenith Total Delay [Research Report]. Busitema University.