Statistical analysis of ionospheric total electron content (TEC): long-term estimation of extreme TEC in Japan

Abstract Ionospheric total electron content (TEC) is one of the key parameters for users radio-based systems, such as Global Navigation Satellite System, high-frequency communication and space-based remote sensing since ionospheric delay proportional to TEC through propagation path. It important know extreme values in readiness hazardous conditions. The purpose this study estimate with occurrences once per year, 10 years, hundred years Japan. In order TEC, a cumulative distribution function daily derived using 22 data from 1997 2018. corresponding year are 90 110 TECU, respectively, Tokyo, On other hand, 22-year set not sufficient once-per-100-year value. Thus, we use 62-year manually scaled ionosonde critical frequency F-layer (foF2) at Kokubunji Tokyo. First, relationship between foF2 investigate slab thickness. Then result applied statistical 62 years. study, two methods first method, thickness artificially inflated values. second thicknesses shows that about 150–190 TECU value also estimated be 180–230 Kagoshima 120–150 Hokkaido, southern northern parts Japan, respectively.