Investigation of 2013 Sudden Stratospheric Warming Events on Gps Positioning Accuracy over Africa
Student: Oyindamola Mary Onadiji (Project, 2025)
Department of Physics Electronics
Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State
Abstract
The January 2013 Stratospheric Sudden Warming (SSW) event caused significant
disruptions in the Earth's atmosphere, affecting ionospheric conditions and potentially
impacting GPS positioning accuracy. This study examines how this event influenced
GPS accuracy across Africa, a region particularly sensitive to ionospheric changes due
to the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA). By analyzing GNSS data from various African
stations, along with ionospheric total electron content (TEC) measurements and
atmospheric reanalysis data, we assess changes in positioning errors before, during,
and after the event. The results reveal a strong connection between SSW-induced
ionospheric disturbances and variations in GPS accuracy, emphasizing the need for
improved monitoring of space weather effects. Understanding these impacts is
essential for enhancing GNSS-based applications in Africa, particularly in fields such as
navigation, communication, and geospatial mapping. This study highlights the
importance of continuous space weather observation to minimize disruptions in
satellite-based positioning systems.
Keywords
For the full publication, please contact the author directly at: oyindamolaonadiji@gmail.com
Filters
Institutions
- Landmark University, Omu-Aran, Kwara State 1
- Lead City University, Ibadan, Oyo State 1
- Lens Polytechnic, offa, Kwara State. 215
- Madonna University, Elele, Rivers State 20
- Madonna University, Okija, Anambra State 2
- Mcpherson University, Seriki Sotayo, Ogun State 1
- Michael and Cecilia Ibru University, Owhrode, Delta State 1
- Michael Okpara University of Agriculture, Umudike 43
- Michael Otedola Col of Primary Educ. Epe, Lagos (affl To University of Ibadan) 8
- Modibbo Adama University, Yola, Adamawa State 15