Single frequency GPS positioning performance in Northern Adriatic region during geomagnetic storm on 22 – 24 january 2012

A strong Coronal Mass Ejection (CME) has brought a powerful geomagnetic storm on 22-24 January 2012. Being a part of the 24th solar cycle, it has provided an excellent experimental environment for satellite navigation performance assessment. Here we report the results of the GPS performance assessment study in the Northern Adriatic region during the 22-24 January 2012 geomagnetic storm. Space weather conditions were examined using the various types of observables, including the Sudden Ionospheric Disturbance (SID) monitor readings collected at GNSS laboratory of Faculty of Maritime Studies in Rijeka, Croatia. Then, RINEX observables from reference stations in the region were used for a single-frequency GPS receiver performance simulation during the geomangnetic storm in question. The analysis showed noticeable effects of the geomagnetic storm, and several patterns of stationary single-frequency GPS positioning error dynamics. These results are correlated with the lower-ionospheric dynamics data as observed by SID monitor in Rijeka, Croatia.