1. Why in News?

• Scientists from the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), Navi Mumbai, have developed the Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model to predict the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) over the Indian sector.
• Significance: The model aids in understanding equatorial ionospheric processes with practical applications across various domains.

2. What is the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ)?

• Definition: A concentrated electric current flowing eastward in the Earth’s ionosphere, approximately at a height of 105-110 km near the geomagnetic equator.
• Location: India’s southern tip lies close to the geomagnetic equator, where this intense current exists.

3. Features of the IEEJ Model

• Web Interface:
• Enables simulations of EEJ for different dates and varying solar activity conditions.
• Practical Applications:
• Satellite orbital dynamics: Helps predict the effects of EEJ on satellite trajectories.
• GNSS-based navigation/positioning: Improves accuracy of GPS systems.
• Satellite communication links: Mitigates ionospheric disturbances affecting communication.
• Power grids and pipelines: Monitors geomagnetic storms that can disrupt infrastructure like transmission lines and oil pipelines.

4. Understanding the Ionosphere

• Nature:
• A region of the Earth’s upper atmosphere, not a distinct layer, but overlapping with the mesosphere, thermosphere, and exosphere.
• Contains ions, created when solar radiation ionizes atmospheric molecules.
• Significance:
• Reflects radio waves, enabling long-distance communication.
• Grows or shrinks based on solar energy absorption.

5. Atmospheric Divisions Based on Thermal and Chemical Composition

1.     Thermal Composition:

o    Divided into layers: Troposphere, Stratosphere, Mesosphere, Thermosphere, and Exosphere.

2.     Chemical Composition:

o    Homosphere:

§  Extends up to 90 km; composition of gases like nitrogen (78%), oxygen (21%), argon, and trace gases is uniform.

§  Includes Troposphere, Stratosphere, and Mesosphere.

o    Heterosphere:

§  Beyond 90 km, gases are not evenly mixed due to low turbulence.

§  Includes Thermosphere and Exosphere.

6. Significance of IEEJ Model

• Scientific Advancement: Improves understanding of equatorial ionospheric processes crucial for space and geosciences.
• Economic Impacts: Reduces risks associated with geomagnetic storms on communication and power grids.
• Global Applications: Contributes to global efforts in space weather prediction and management.

7. Related UPSC Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

• 2013 Question: Dynamic changes on Earth’s surface are driven by factors like electromagnetic radiation, geothermal energy, gravitational force, plate movements, Earth’s rotation, and revolution.
• Answer: (d) All factors contribute.
• 2011 Question: Ionosphere facilitates radio communication not due to ozone but because it reflects radio waves via ionized particles.
• Answer: (d) Neither 1 nor 2.

8. Conclusion

The IEEJ Model represents a significant achievement in space weather research, enhancing India's capacity to manage the effects of ionospheric disturbances on critical infrastructure and satellite operations. This aligns with the growing focus on advancing space and geomagnetic studies for both national and global benefits.

Answer:

Introduction

The Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model, developed by the Indian Institute of Geomagnetism (IIG), is a pioneering tool designed to predict the behavior of the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) over the Indian sector. This development marks a significant advancement in space weather modeling and ionospheric studies, addressing challenges in satellite communication, navigation, and infrastructure resilience.

Significance of the IEEJ Model

1.     Understanding Equatorial Electrojet:

o    The Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) is a concentrated electric current flowing in the ionosphere near the geomagnetic equator.

o    The IEEJ Model uses ground-based magnetometers to simulate EEJ behavior under varying solar activity and geomagnetic conditions.

2.     Scientific Applications:

o    Facilitates research on equatorial ionospheric processes and their interaction with the Earth’s magnetic field.

o    Enhances the understanding of geomagnetic equator dynamics.

3.     Technological Contributions:

o    GNSS-based Navigation: Improves GPS accuracy by modeling ionospheric disturbances affecting satellite signals.

o    Satellite Communication: Predicts disruptions in communication links caused by ionospheric anomalies.

o    Satellite Orbital Dynamics: Assists in predicting the impact of geomagnetic forces on satellite trajectories.

4.     Infrastructure Management:

o    Electrical Power Grids: Monitors and mitigates the impact of geomagnetic storms on power transmission lines.

o    Oil and Gas Pipelines: Identifies potential risks to pipelines from geomagnetic-induced currents.

Relevance to Critical Sectors

1.     Space Technology:

o    Supports India’s growing space program by improving satellite reliability and communication resilience.

2.     Energy Sector:

o    Reduces vulnerabilities in power grids during geomagnetic disturbances, ensuring energy security.

3.     Disaster Management:

o    Helps forecast space weather events, aiding in disaster preparedness for geomagnetic storms.

Challenges

• Data Availability: Dependence on accurate and real-time ionospheric data.
• Global Collaboration: Requires integration with global space weather prediction models for enhanced effectiveness.
• High Costs: Development and maintenance of such models are resource-intensive.

Way Forward

• Enhanced Research: Strengthen funding for space weather research and ionospheric studies.
• International Partnerships: Collaborate with global agencies like NASA and ESA for improved model accuracy.
• Capacity Building: Train scientists and engineers in ionospheric modeling and geomagnetic research.

Conclusion

The Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model is a transformative tool in ionospheric and geomagnetic studies, contributing to advancements in navigation, communication, and infrastructure protection. Its development underlines India’s commitment to leveraging space technology for national and global benefits.

1. Consider the following statements regarding the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ):

1.     The EEJ is a concentrated electric current flowing in the Earth’s ionosphere near the geomagnetic equator.

2.     It occurs at a height of approximately 10-15 km above the Earth’s surface.

3.     India’s southern tip lies close to the geomagnetic equator where the EEJ is prominent.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 1 and 3 only
(c) 2 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (b) 1 and 3 only

2. Which of the following is NOT a practical application of the Indian Equatorial Electrojet (IEEJ) Model?

(a) Improving satellite navigation and positioning systems.
(b) Monitoring earthquakes and predicting tsunamis.
(c) Assisting satellite communication links.
(d) Reducing the impact of geomagnetic storms on power grids.

Answer: (b) Monitoring earthquakes and predicting tsunamis.

3. The ionosphere, where the Equatorial Electrojet (EEJ) occurs, is characterized by:

1.     Reflection of radio waves enabling long-distance communication.

2.     High concentrations of electrically charged particles called ions.

3.     A stable and homogenous composition of atmospheric gases.

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, and 3

Answer: (a) 1 and 2 only

4. With reference to the atmospheric composition, which of the following layers is part of the Heterosphere?

1.     Troposphere

2.     Stratosphere

3.     Thermosphere

4.     Exosphere

Select the correct answer using the codes given below:

(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 3 and 4 only
(c) 1, 2, and 3 only
(d) 1, 2, 3, and 4

Answer: (b) 3 and 4 only

5. Which of the following factors influence the position of the geomagnetic equator?

(a) Plate tectonics and seismic activities.
(b) Variations in the Earth's magnetic field.
(c) Gravitational pull of the Moon and Sun.
(d) Earth’s rotation and revolution.

Answer: (b) Variations in the Earth's magnetic field.