The WAM-IPE model (WAM; Whole Atmosphere Model, IPE; Ionosphere Plasmasphere Electrodynamics) is a comprehensive, 3D, time-dependent, coupled model of the Earth's Ionosphere, Thermosphere and Lower Atmosphere. The model predicts global Ionospheric parameters such as the Total Electron Content (TEC) and the peak Ionospheric electron density (NmF2), dynamic parameters which are important factors affecting GPS positioning and HF radio communications.
The WAM component has been embedded within the National Weather Service operational data assimilation system (GSI; Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation), a 3D variational scheme. The simulations using WAM and the modified GSI data assimilation scheme (known as WDAS; WAM Data Assimilation Scheme) enables the response of the upper atmosphere to real tropospheric weather to be followed.
The first and second panels show the latest global Total Electron Content (TEC) as predicted by WAM-IPE, and the Anomaly in TEC (the difference between the latest TEC and a running 10 day average taken at the same universal time.)
The third and fourth panels are from the same model run but show the latest global peak Ionospheric electron number density (NmF2), and again, the Anomaly in NmF2.
Finally, the fifth and sixth panels show the height of the Ionospheric peak in km (hmF2) and the associated anomaly.