EUV-TEC - an index to describe ionospheric variability using satellite-borne solar EUV measurements. First results

Primary ionisation of major ionospheric constituents is calculated from satellite-borne solar EUV measurements. Number densities of the background atmosphere are taken from the NRLMSISE-00 climatology. From the calculated ionisation rates, an index termed EUV-TEC, which is based on the global total ionisation is calulated, and describes the ionospheric response to solar EUV and its variability. The index is compared against global mean ionospheric total electron content (TEC) derived from GPS data. Results show that the EUV-TEC index provides a better overall representation of global TEC than conventional solar indices like F10.7 do. The EUV-TEC index may be used for scientific research, and to describe the ionospheric effects on radio communication and navigation systems