Thailand equatorial F2-layer peak height and comparison with the IRI-2001 model

In this paper, the F2-layer peak height (hmF2) is calculated from the observed M(3000)F2 and then compared with the IRI-2001 model. The data used for this study are obtained from bottomside ionograms recorded by the FM/CW ionosonde at Chumphon campus of King Mongkut's Institute of Technology Ladkrabang (latitude 10.72°N and longitude 99.37°E), Thailand, located near the magnetic equator. The measurement data including March, June, September and December in 2004, 2005 and 2006 for the period of low solar activity, are analyzed and then compared with IRI-2001 model predictions. Our study shows that the agreement between the data and the model in Southeast Asia will be better if Shimazaki's formula is used. The results are important for the future improvements of the IRI model for the hmF2 at Thailand equatorial latitude.