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Global GNSS Observation of Mesoscale Ionospheric Irregularities (2006–2024).

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Title: Global GNSS Observation of Mesoscale Ionospheric Irregularities (2006–2024).
Authors: Zhang, Shun‐Rong1 (AUTHOR) shunrong@mit.edu, Liu, Jing1 (AUTHOR), Coster, Anthea J.1 (AUTHOR), Derghazarian, Sevag1 (AUTHOR), Erickson, Philip J.1 (AUTHOR), Goncharenko, Larisa P.1 (AUTHOR), Aponte, Nestor1 (AUTHOR), Rideout, William1 (AUTHOR)
Source: Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics. Mar2026, Vol. 131 Issue 3, p1-25. 25p.
Subject Terms: *Solar activity, *Ionosphere, Total electron content (Atmosphere), Ionospheric disturbances, Gravity waves, Seasonal physiological variations, Global Positioning System
Abstract: Mesoscale ionospheric irregularities are statistically investigated using an unprecedented 19‐year long‐term global GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) TEC (total electron content) data set. These irregularities are represented by ionospheric fluctuations within a 5°× ${}^{\circ}\times $ 3.75° ${}^{\circ}$ (latitude by longitude) region and a timeframe of 15 min. These fluctuations are derived from the GNSS differential TEC data and are primarily caused by medium scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs). This analysis focuses on Eastern American longitude sectors while comparing them to Asian and African sectors. (a) Global mesoscale irregularities at midlatitudes are characterized by the enhanced intensity during solstice seasons. In the winter hemisphere, the intensity peaks by day, and in summer, by night. The enhanced wintertime irregularity is consistent with gravity wave (GW) activities observed in the stratosphere. This study also explores the potential influence of the South American GW hotspot. (b) At equatorial latitudes, the absolute intensity exhibits semiannual variations, maximizing in equinox at Asian and African longitudes; in Eastern American sectors, highly elevated intensities persist throughout the entire September‐March period, peaking in the December solstice. The relative intensity, however, is much enhanced at night during solstices. (c) Hemispheric conjugacy of the enhanced intensity of nighttime irregularities extends from mid‐to equatorial latitudes during solstices, particularly under low solar activity. These enhanced solstitial irregularities constitute a fundamental mode of global ionospheric variability, and the increased relative intensity of equatorial irregularities may therefore reflect modulation of this underlying background state. Plain Language Summary: Ionospheric irregularities are persistent and significant electron density structures that profoundly impact radio wave propagation. A wide range of radio applications, including navigation, positioning, and timing, are susceptible to adverse influences due to these irregularities. This paper focuses on mesoscale irregularities, which correspond to spatiotemporal scales from 10 to 100s km in space and minutes to hours in time. We developed a substantial global data set over an extended 19‐year period for 2006–2024 based on GNSS total electron content observations processed at MIT Haystack Observatory. This data set allows us to systematically evaluate the irregularity intensity consistently and robustly, and establish a reliable climatology. These irregularities exhibit intensification in solstices, being intense during the day in winter and at night in summer. The consistent winter ionospheric irregularities observed at midlatitudes in both hemispheres are highly likely associated with the GW forcing originating from the lower atmosphere. Irregularities near the Andes also appear intensified. These provide a solid data chain of a persistent remote link between two distinct atmospheric regions. At equatorial latitudes, irregularities exhibited significant intensification during equinox/December seasons, with some longitudinal variability. Potential GW influences have also been identified. This study provides an unprecedented long‐term and comprehensive view of the mesoscale irregularity climatology from midlatitudes through equatorial latitudes. Key Points: Comprehensive global climatology of mesoscale ionospheric irregularities across mid‐ and low latitudes for 19+ years is presentedThe seasonality of the winter daytime irregularity intensity at midlatitudes consistently correlates with stratospheric gravity wavesHemispheric conjugacy of the nighttime irregularity intensity is evident in solstices, especially during solar minimum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
Copyright of Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract. (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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  Data: Global GNSS Observation of Mesoscale Ionospheric Irregularities (2006–2024).
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Zhang%2C+Shun‐Rong%22">Zhang, Shun‐Rong</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<i> shunrong@mit.edu</i><br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Liu%2C+Jing%22">Liu, Jing</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Coster%2C+Anthea+J%2E%22">Coster, Anthea J.</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Derghazarian%2C+Sevag%22">Derghazarian, Sevag</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Erickson%2C+Philip+J%2E%22">Erickson, Philip J.</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Goncharenko%2C+Larisa+P%2E%22">Goncharenko, Larisa P.</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Aponte%2C+Nestor%22">Aponte, Nestor</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)<br /><searchLink fieldCode="AR" term="%22Rideout%2C+William%22">Rideout, William</searchLink><relatesTo>1</relatesTo> (AUTHOR)
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  Data: <searchLink fieldCode="JN" term="%22Journal+of+Geophysical+Research%2E+Space+Physics%22">Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics</searchLink>. Mar2026, Vol. 131 Issue 3, p1-25. 25p.
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  Data: *<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Solar+activity%22">Solar activity</searchLink><br />*<searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Ionosphere%22">Ionosphere</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Total+electron+content+%28Atmosphere%29%22">Total electron content (Atmosphere)</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Ionospheric+disturbances%22">Ionospheric disturbances</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Gravity+waves%22">Gravity waves</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Seasonal+physiological+variations%22">Seasonal physiological variations</searchLink><br /><searchLink fieldCode="DE" term="%22Global+Positioning+System%22">Global Positioning System</searchLink>
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  Label: Abstract
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  Data: Mesoscale ionospheric irregularities are statistically investigated using an unprecedented 19‐year long‐term global GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) TEC (total electron content) data set. These irregularities are represented by ionospheric fluctuations within a 5°× ${}^{\circ}\times $ 3.75° ${}^{\circ}$ (latitude by longitude) region and a timeframe of 15 min. These fluctuations are derived from the GNSS differential TEC data and are primarily caused by medium scale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs). This analysis focuses on Eastern American longitude sectors while comparing them to Asian and African sectors. (a) Global mesoscale irregularities at midlatitudes are characterized by the enhanced intensity during solstice seasons. In the winter hemisphere, the intensity peaks by day, and in summer, by night. The enhanced wintertime irregularity is consistent with gravity wave (GW) activities observed in the stratosphere. This study also explores the potential influence of the South American GW hotspot. (b) At equatorial latitudes, the absolute intensity exhibits semiannual variations, maximizing in equinox at Asian and African longitudes; in Eastern American sectors, highly elevated intensities persist throughout the entire September‐March period, peaking in the December solstice. The relative intensity, however, is much enhanced at night during solstices. (c) Hemispheric conjugacy of the enhanced intensity of nighttime irregularities extends from mid‐to equatorial latitudes during solstices, particularly under low solar activity. These enhanced solstitial irregularities constitute a fundamental mode of global ionospheric variability, and the increased relative intensity of equatorial irregularities may therefore reflect modulation of this underlying background state. Plain Language Summary: Ionospheric irregularities are persistent and significant electron density structures that profoundly impact radio wave propagation. A wide range of radio applications, including navigation, positioning, and timing, are susceptible to adverse influences due to these irregularities. This paper focuses on mesoscale irregularities, which correspond to spatiotemporal scales from 10 to 100s km in space and minutes to hours in time. We developed a substantial global data set over an extended 19‐year period for 2006–2024 based on GNSS total electron content observations processed at MIT Haystack Observatory. This data set allows us to systematically evaluate the irregularity intensity consistently and robustly, and establish a reliable climatology. These irregularities exhibit intensification in solstices, being intense during the day in winter and at night in summer. The consistent winter ionospheric irregularities observed at midlatitudes in both hemispheres are highly likely associated with the GW forcing originating from the lower atmosphere. Irregularities near the Andes also appear intensified. These provide a solid data chain of a persistent remote link between two distinct atmospheric regions. At equatorial latitudes, irregularities exhibited significant intensification during equinox/December seasons, with some longitudinal variability. Potential GW influences have also been identified. This study provides an unprecedented long‐term and comprehensive view of the mesoscale irregularity climatology from midlatitudes through equatorial latitudes. Key Points: Comprehensive global climatology of mesoscale ionospheric irregularities across mid‐ and low latitudes for 19+ years is presentedThe seasonality of the winter daytime irregularity intensity at midlatitudes consistently correlates with stratospheric gravity wavesHemispheric conjugacy of the nighttime irregularity intensity is evident in solstices, especially during solar minimum [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]
– Name: AbstractSuppliedCopyright
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  Data: <i>Copyright of Journal of Geophysical Research. Space Physics is the property of Wiley-Blackwell and its content may not be copied or emailed to multiple sites without the copyright holder's express written permission. Additionally, content may not be used with any artificial intelligence tools or machine learning technologies. However, users may print, download, or email articles for individual use. This abstract may be abridged. No warranty is given about the accuracy of the copy. Users should refer to the original published version of the material for the full abstract.</i> (Copyright applies to all Abstracts.)
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RecordInfo BibRecord:
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    Identifiers:
      – Type: doi
        Value: 10.1029/2025JA034951
    Languages:
      – Code: eng
        Text: English
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      Pagination:
        PageCount: 25
        StartPage: 1
    Subjects:
      – SubjectFull: Solar activity
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Ionosphere
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Total electron content (Atmosphere)
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Ionospheric disturbances
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Gravity waves
        Type: general
      – SubjectFull: Seasonal physiological variations
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      – SubjectFull: Global Positioning System
        Type: general
    Titles:
      – TitleFull: Global GNSS Observation of Mesoscale Ionospheric Irregularities (2006–2024).
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            NameFull: Zhang, Shun‐Rong
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              Text: Mar2026
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              Y: 2026
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