7–9 Apr 2026
Europe/Amsterdam timezone

Forecasting of foF2 over Europe

Not scheduled
15m
ESOC Press Centre

ESOC Press Centre

Robert-Bosch-Str. 5 64293 Darmstadt Germany
In-person oral presentation

Speaker

Loredana Perrone (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia)

Description

EUROMAP (Mikhailov and Perrone, Radio Science, 2014) is an an empirical forecasting model designed to predict foF2 over the European region. The system is based on local prediction models developed for individual European ionospheric stations, enabling continuous monitoring of foF2 across the entire continent.
The model is driven by geomagnetic and solar activity parameters, including the 3-hour ap index (converted into ap(τ)), the effective ionospheric T index, and available hourly foF2 observations, both historical and real-time. For disturbed conditions (ap(τ) > 30), local regression storm models are applied to describe strong negative ionospheric disturbances, while for quieter conditions (ap(τ) ≤ 30), the system relies on 28-day training models to reproduce foF2 variability. The T index is used to define the background ionospheric level.
The modelling domain extends from 40.0°W to 100.0°E in longitude and from 20.0°N to 80.0°N in latitude, covering the European region. The system generates foF2 maps on a 1° × 5° spatial grid. The primary controlling parameters are the solar F10.7 flux and the geomagnetic 3-hour ap index; notably, the model can operate even in the absence of current foF2 observations.
EUROMAP provides forecasts from 1 to 24 hours ahead, producing 24 maps every hour. The product is fully developed and ready for operational implementation

Numerical model EUROMAP

Author

Loredana Perrone (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia)

Co-authors

Paolo Bagiacchi (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia) Dario Sabbagh (Istituto Nazionale di Geofisica e Vulcanologia)

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