The comparison of standard and swarm D-layer ionosphere models on the simulation of the x-ray solar flare response

摘要

The contemporary study of the global change of the atmosphere raise up the problem of models verification, namely, we need the quantified metric to compare models. One of such simple approach is to use the evidence on VLF-LF propagation under the X-ray solar flares. Any flare impacts on the middle atmosphere up to 60 km altitude. Its signature in amplitude record is clear and identifiable. We have a variety of radio paths and any season (or even year of solar cycle) in database. All aforementioned arguments make the strong basis for the model check. The response of the lower ionosphere and middle atmosphere to a solar flare depends on the quality of the source term definition and on the correctness of the chemical processes description. Different approaches are known for the derivation of X-ray excess ionization, varying from classic approach to huge Monte Carlo simulations. We elaborated the numerical model which is combined from an empirical model of ionization (GOES X-ray measurements) and numerical VLF propagation code. It successfully reproduced the first phase of the lower ionosphere response to the extremely strong solar X-flare (X9.9) September 06, 2017. Meanwhile, the decay phase was overestimated. Thus we decided to improve the ionosphere model and compare our model with other popular ionization schemes under the flares of various class. Moreover, all ionospheric models under analysis were realised in two modes: the standard mode with constant chemical rates and in the swarm mode with rates dependence on the altitude and ionization rate. The latter have been received in 70-s from complex kinetic simulations of the high altitude nuclear explosion impact on the ionosphere. We expected the improvement of results for intense flares and we wanted to check the quality of contemporary and old ionosphere models on the modern data. The results prove that (a) all models failed under empirical model of ionization; (b) the most promising model is IDG5 in swarm mode; (c) the problem of the minor neutrals is overestimated.