Electron and ion temperature data for ionospheric modelling

Abstract

The major sources ionospheric temperature data are the incoherent scatter radars and in situ instruments (Langmuir probe, retarding potential analyzer) flown on several long-lasting satellite missions. The paper provides an overview over the different data sets and discusses their volume, temporal and spatial resolution, accuracy, and their availability. The state-of-the-art of empirical modeling of ionospheric plasma temperatures is examined, and present shortcomings and future data needs are pointed out. Special emphasis is given to the representation of auroral features, temperature anisotropies, and of solar-cycle variations. Finally, the possibility of using theoretical results to fill data gaps for empirical modeling is considered.