Positioning of the Ionospheric Field-Aligned Irregularities With Geomagnetic Field Model

An observation model is introduced for accurate positioning of the ionospheric field-aligned irregularities (FAIs). The model is applied to the Hainan coherent scatter phased array radar (HCOPAR) in the Hainan island of China and constructed based on the International Geomagnetic Reference Field (IGRF) model. Compared with the original centerline method, the model method has higher accuracy at a higher altitude and larger azimuth. In the observation of the E-region irregularities, the model can be used to position the sidelobe echoes under certain conditions. Thus, the zonal observation range of the radar can be extended.