Spatial Variations of GPS-Measured Total Electron Content over Nigeria
Spatial Variations of GPS-Measured Total Electron Content over Nigeria
Previously Published Material: The presentation was reported during 2014 African Geophysical Society Conference held in Abuja, Nigeria between June 2nd to 6th. It was Organized by National Space Research and Development Agency, Abuja. The paper is currently under review.
Abstract ID#: 33669
English Abstract:
This paper examined the spatial variations of the ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) over Nigeria using the GPS data obtained from Nigeria Network Observation Stations (NIGNET) in the year 2012. GPS data for year 2012 recorded at various stations in Nigeria ranging from geographic latitude 4.80oN to 12.47oN and geographic longitude 3.40oE to 12.50oE was used for this study. Analysis of spatial variations of TEC, which features Sunrise, 12 noon, Sunset and daily maximum variations of TEC, were performed within the period under consideration and the result engaged to generate local TEC maps. At 07:00 LT, due to the relative position of the sun as the sun rises, TEC decreases westwards across all the latitudes and it is found to be weakest at this time because the intensity of solar radiation is quite low. Greater magnitude of TEC was observed at 12:00 LT while it decays gradually and smoothly at 17:00 LT through the midnight until pre-sunrise hours and it is evident that the magnitude of TEC post-sunset variation is always greater than its pre-sunrise variation. Also, TEC decreases eastward across all latitudes as a result of reduction in the ionization at the east due to the relative position of the Sun as it sets around 17:00 LT.