Background

Built on the SCAR GWSWF Action Group, the GRAPE Expert Group intends to continue to intensify the efforts to build and coordinate a robust network of collaborations in order to answer a variety of space-weather-related needs through ad hoc data sharing and model development.

GRAPE is based on the use of the classical GPS POLENET array and the growing coverage of modern GNSS systems, on the availability of advanced modelling and on the opportunity offered by the advancing solar cycle.

For further details see the GRAPE website.

Work Packages

1. S-T interactions and ionospheric effects in the current solar-cycle

Chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Co-chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

• Multi-instruments investigation of the upper atmosphere plasma dynamics and scintillation generation (SuperDARN, GNSS, ionosondes, VLF, etc.)
• Scintillation climatology, TEC fluctuations, structure scale, C/N statistics, etc.

2. Lower atmosphere delay in GNSS based systems (water vapor reconstruction, etc.)

Chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

3. Modelling and models testing

Chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Co-chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

4. Data management strategy

Chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Co-chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. 

5. Coordination with other programmes inside and outside SCAR (e.g. URSI, CAWSES II, SuperDARN, EISCAT 3D)

Chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. ; Co-chair: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

Terms of Reference

The main objectives of GRAPE are to:

• Create and maintain distributed networks of specialized GPS/GNSS Ionospheric Scintillation and TEC Monitors particularly at high latitudes;
• Identify and quantify mechanisms that cause scintillation and control interhemispheric differences, asymmetries and commonalities in scintillation occurrence and intensity as a result of the geospace environment conditions;
• Develop ionospheric scintillation climatology, tracking and mitigation models to improve prediction capabilities of space weather;
• Retrieve tropospheric PWV for input to weather forecast models and to develop regional PWV climatology for atmospheric sensing in remote areas.