Testing AIMOS ionization rates in the middle atmosphere: Comparison with ground based radio wave observations of the ionosphere

There is growing interest in coupling energetic particle precipitation (EPP) into Chemistry-Climate Models. Experimental observations show that EPP from the radiation belts during geomagnetic storms lead to significant ozone decreases in polar latitudes, and couple to polar surface air temperatures. Datasets of satellite-derived EPP-driven ionospheric ionization rates have been created. However, there are reasons to suspect the satellite EPP observations, and the ionization rates need to be tested against experimental reality. In this presentation we will contrast the ionization rates output by one model with experimental observations from ground-based observations, specifically VLF receivers and riometers.