First simulations of day-to-day variability of mid-latitude sporadic E layer structures

We present the first simulations that successfully reproduce the day-to-day variability of the mid-latitude sporadic E ( $$E_s$$ ) layers. $$E_s$$ layers appearing in the lower ionosphere have been extensively investigated to monitor and forecast their effects on long-distance communication by radio waves. Although it is widely accepted that the atmospheric tides are important in generating the $$E_s$$ layers, no simulations to date have reproduced the $$E_s$$ layers observed on a certain day. This is due to the lack of the combination of realistic information on the atmospheric tides in the lower ionosphere and a three-dimensional numerical ionospheric model that can simulate the precise transport of metallic ions. We developed a numerical ionospheric model coupled with the neutral winds from the GAIA (Ground-to-topside model of Atmosphere and Ionosphere for Aeronomy). The fundamental structures and the day-to-day variations of the $$E_s$$ layers observed by a $$\hbox {Ca}^+$$ lidar are well-reproduced in the simulations.