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
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Institutions
- UMA UKPAI SCHOOL OF THEOLOGY, UYO, AKWA IBOM STATE (AFFL TO UNIVERSITY OF UYO) 1
- Umaru Ali Shinkafi Polytechnic, Sokoto, Sokoto State 24
- Umaru Musa Yaradua University, Katsina, Katsina State 28
- Umca, Ilorin (Affiliated To University of Ibadan), Kwara State 1
- University of Abuja, Abuja, Fct 117
- University of Africa, Toru-Orua, Bayelsa State 4
- University of Benin, Benin City, Edo State 362
- University of Calabar Teaching Hospital School of Health Information Mgt. 1
- University of Calabar, Calabar, Cross River State 240
- University of Ibadan, Ibadan, Oyo State 14