Vertical Total Electron Content Variation Due to Lightning Activities Near Malaysia

Lightning events could be one of the causes of disturbance during a transmission of radio signals that could lead to errors. Additionally, the changes of time, seasons and geomagnetic fields could affect the ionospheric layer. By determining the total electron content (TEC), it could be a useful indicator for the disturbance in the ionospheric layer. In this study, TEC was obtain from the Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver in Receiver Independent Exchange Format (RINEX) format. The vertical TEC (VTEC) was observed together with the lightning occurrences. The lightning strike distribution was obtain from the World-Wide Lightning Location Network (WWLLN). Quiet day based on the planetary index number (Kp) which needs to be less than or equal to four determines the day of observation. Four days were chosen, comprise of two days for each day with and without lightning strike occurrences, respectively. Due to higher VTEC value during equinox, it could be observed the sample date closer to the equinox season have higher VTEC value even on a quiet day without lightning activities.