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
- University of Ilorin, Kwara State 402
- University of Jos, Jos, Plateau State 19
- University of Lagos 18
- University of Maiduguri ( - Elearning), Maiduguri, Borno State 3
- University of Maiduguri, Borno State 109
- University of Nigeria, Nsukka, Enugu State 270
- University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, Port Harcourt , River State 6
- University of Port-Harcourt, Rivers State 177
- University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State 209
- Usmanu Danfodio University, Sokoto, Sokoto State 245