Quiet/climatological ionosphere-thermosphere-plasmasphere

The ionosphere, thermosphere, and plasmasphere form a coupled system in the upper atmosphere that is significantly influenced by the long-term variability of solar radiation. Even under geomagnetically quiet conditions, these layers exhibit complex dynamics and interactions that are of central importance for the propagation of radio waves and navigation signals.

The institute investigates the climatological properties and long-term trends of this system using ground-based measurement techniques, satellite data, and physics-based models. The goal is to gain a better understanding of background conditions as a reference basis for disturbance analyses, as well as to further develop reliable prediction models for navigation, communication, and space weather applications.

The Institute for Solar-Terrestrial Physics

• operates and develops ground-based measurement systems for the continuous observation of the ionosphere.
• analyzes long-term datasets to investigate climatological trends and solar-cycle-dependent variations.
• develops and validates physics-based and empirical models of ionosphere-thermosphere-plasmasphere coupling.
• develops measurement systems that go beyond existing ground-based networks (space- and ship-based).
• quantifies background conditions as a reference basis for disturbance analyses.
• provides datasets and model products for navigation, communication, and research applications.