Real-time dynamic system for monitoring ionospheric propagation conditions over Europe

Real-time measurements of the critical frequency of F/sub 2/ layer, foF/sub 2/, and the propagation factor for a 3000 km range, M(3000)F2 from four European Digisondes operating in Athens, Rome, Chilton and Juliusruh and the Bz-component of the interplanetary magnetic field, Bz-IMF, from the NASA Advanced Composition Explorer (ACE) spacecraft mission are combined for the development of a real-time dynamic system, oriented to monitor the ionospheric propagation conditions over Europe. The validity of the developed system in its present operational form is investigated through the analysis of two case study events. First results indicate a temporal correlation between the Bz-IMF component disturbances and the quantitative signature of ionospheric disturbances at middle latitude, making the developed facility a useful tool for modelling and forecasting ionospheric propagation conditions.