Studies of ionospheric variations during geomagnetic activities at the low-latitude station, Ile-Ife, Nigeria

The dual frequency SCINDA NovAtel GSV 4004B GPS receiver installed at the Ile-Ife (low-latitude station) has been in operation since December 2009. Data records for the year 2010 were processed to obtain Total Electron Content (TEC) and S ₄ index. These were interpreted to analyze the ionospheric condition during low geomagnetic activity period (when Dst is from ?40 to 0 nT) and during geomagnetic storm events (with Dst about ?100 nT). Seasonal variations of the TEC and S ₄ index were also investigated. The occurrence of scintillations is closely linked to the peak value of TEC during the daytime; this is very evident during the equinox months when TEC ≥ 30 TECu. When the maximum TEC value is below 30 TECu, as shown by most of the days in the summer months, the scintillation phenomenon does not occur. During geomagnetic storms, the daytime segment of the TEC plot experiences fluctuations (even bifurcations) in values with the peak TEC value of about 40 TECu. From the interpreted data, the occurrence of geomagnetic storm does not necessarily suggest an increase in the level of scintillations at a low-latitude region. Also, there is a remarkable difference between the IRI 2007 model and the observed TEC values, as the daytime TEC peak differs in magnitude and time of occurrence from the observed TEC.     

Investigation of Ionospheric Response to Geomagnetic Storms over a Low Latitude Station,Ile-Ife,Nigeria

Due to several complexities associated with the equatorial ionosphere, and the significant role which the total electron content (TEC) variability plays in GPS signal transmission, there is the need to monitor irregularities in TEC during storm events. The GPS SCINDA receiver data at Ile-Ife, Nigeria, was analysed with a view to characterizing the ionospheric response to geomagnetic storms on 9 March and 1 October 2012. Presently, positive storm effects, peaks in TEC which were associated with prompt penetration of electric fields and changes in neutral gas composition were observed for the storms. The maximum percentage deviation in TEC of about 120 and 45% were observed for 9 March and 1 October 2012, respectively. An obvious negative percentage TEC deviation subsequent to sudden storm commencement (SSC) was observed and besides a geomagnetic storm does not necessarily suggest a high scintillation intensity (S₄) index. The present results show that magnetic storm events at low latitude regions may have an adverse effect on navigation and communication systems.     

Variability of total electron content near the crest of the equatorial anomaly during moderate geomagnetic storms

The ionospheric responses to a large number (116) of moderate (?50≥D_st>?100 nT) geomagnetic storms distributed over the period (1980–1990) are investigated using total electron content (TEC) data recorded at Calcutta (88.38°E, 22.58°N geographic, dip: 32°N). TEC perturbations exhibit a prominent dependence on the local times of main phase occurrence (MPO). The storms with MPO during daytime hours are more effective in producing larger deviations and smaller time delays for maximum positive deviations compared to those with nighttime MPO. Though the perturbations in the equinoctial and winter solstitial months more or less follow the reported climatology, remarkable deviations are detected for the summer solstitial storms. Depending on the local times of MPO, the sunrise enhancement in TEC is greatly perturbed. The TEC variability patterns are interpreted in terms of the storm time modifications of equatorial electric field, wind system and neutral composition.     

Effects of geomagnetic storm on GPS ionospheric scintillations at Sanya

The effects of geomagnetic storm on GPS ionospheric scintillations are studied here using GPS scintillation data recorded at Sanya (18.3°N, 109.5°E; geomagnetic: 7.6°N, 180.8°E), the southmost station in the Chinese longitude region. GPS scintillation/TEC and DMSP data are utilized to show the development of irregularities during the period year 2005 (solar minimum). Statistical analysis of K planetary index (Kp) and amplitude scintillation index (S4) indicates that most storms of the year did not trigger the scintillation occurrence at Sanya. However, cases of scintillation occurring during moderate and strong storm (Dst<−100) periods show clearly that the development of irregularities producing scintillations can be triggered by geomagnetic storms during the low scintillation occurrence season. The effects (trigger or not trigger/inhibit) depend on the maximum dDst/dt determined local time sector, and can be explained by the response of the equatorial vertical drift velocities to magnetospheric and ionospheric disturbance electric fields. For station Sanya, the maximum dDst/dt determined local time is near the noon (or post-midnight) sector for most storms of the year 2005, which inhibited (or did not trigger) the post-sunset (or post-midnight) scintillation occurrence and then led to the phenomena that the statistical results presented.     

Dynamics of high-latitude patches and associated small-scale irregularities during the October and November 2003 storms

Observations from a network of specially equipped GPS scintillation receivers in Northern Europe are used to investigate the dynamics of ionospheric plasma during the storm events of 30 October and 20 November 2003. The total electron content (TEC) and scintillation data, combined with ionospheric tomography produced by the multi-instrument data analysis system (MIDAS), reveal strong enhancements and steep gradients in TEC during nighttime under a prevailing negative B_z component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Amplitude and phase scintillation maxima are often co-located with the TEC gradients at the edge of plasma patches, revealing the presence of small-scale irregularities and suggesting association with a tongue of ionization (TOI) convecting in an anti-sunward direction from the American sector across the polar cap. Similarities and differences between the ionospheric response to the two storms are investigated. The 30 October event reveals a quite complex scenario showing two phases of plasma dynamics: the former reflects the expected convection pattern for IMF B_z southward and the latter possibly indicates a sort of TEC plasma stagnation signature of the more complex convection patterns during several positive/negative excursions of IMF B_z.     

2004年11月强磁暴期间武汉电离层TEC的响应和振幅闪烁特征的GPS观测

本文利用设在武汉(11436°E,3053°N,磁纬194°)的GPS电离层TEC和电波闪烁监测仪的测量数据，分析了2004年11月强磁暴期间TEC的响应以及电波闪烁和TEC起伏的特征.结果表明，在这次强磁暴期间，武汉及其邻近地区电离层TEC的响应以正暴相为主，正暴相分别出现在两次主相期间，最大正偏离达到50 TECU.这次磁暴另一个重要影响是主相期间L波段振幅闪烁的活动性及其强度显著增强.S4指数最大接近10.伴随增强的闪烁活动，多次观测到深度耗尽的等离子体泡与TEC起伏，TEC变化率的标准差ROTI指数也显著增强.分析揭示， ROTI指数与S4指数呈正相关，相关系数达到097.线性回归计算得到，ROTI和S4的比率为964.     

Tec climatology derived fromtopex/poseidonmeasurements

We have used the TOPEX data sets available from JPL to create a customizeddatabase of the TOPEX TEC measurements that contain data from 1992 through part of 1996.Thedata base includes time, geographic and geomagnetic coordinates of themeasurement,geomagnetic indices (Kp, previous K_p, HemisphericPower, andintegral of hemispheric power over the previous 36 h), solar index (F 10.7),andInternational Reference Ionosphere (IRI) results corresponding to the TOPEX measurements.Inthis paper we present global maps of TEC for low solar activity conditions (F 10.7 ⩽ 120) for quiet (integral of hemispheric power less than 800 GWh, roughly correspondingto K_p = 2), moderately disturbed (integral of hemispheric power greaterthan 800GWh but less than 1200 GWh, roughly corresponding to K_p = 3),anddisturbed (integral of hemispheric power greater than 1200 GWh, roughly corresponding to K_p = 4) geomagnetic conditions, derived by binning all appropriateTOPEX TECdata from 1992 to 1996. The analysis is performed in a Magnetic-Local-Time,Magnetic-Latitudecoordinate system. The most prominent feature of the global TEC maps is thefeaturecorresponding to the equatorial anomaly. The feature becomes wider in magnetic latitudeandmore pronounced in amplitude as the activity level increases. The equatorward shift of thecrests,with increased magnetic activity, can produce apparent decreases in TEC at their quiettimelocation for individual storms as evident in the conflicting conclusions of TECgeomagneticdependence studies of the 1960s. For the same activity level, TEC values in theequatorialanomaly are higher during equinox compared to solstice.     

Ionospheric irregularities in periods of meteorological disturbances

The results of observations of the total electron content (TEC) in periods of storm disturbances of meteorological situation are presented in the paper. The observational results have shown that a passage of a meteorological storm is accompanied by a substantial decrease in values of TEC and critical frequencies of the ionospheric F2 region. The decreases in values of these ionospheric parameters reach 50% and up to 30% in TEC and critical frequency of the F2 layer, respectively, as compared to meteorologically quiet days. Based on qualitative analysis, it is found that the processes related to formation of local regions of thermospheric heating due to a dissipation of AGW coming into the upper atmosphere from the region of the meteorological disturbance in the lower atmosphere are a possible cause of these ionospheric disturbances.     

Long term studies of equatorial spread F using the JULIA radar at Jicamarca

Jicamarca unattended long term investigations of the ionosphere and atmosphere radar observations of equatorial spread F (ESF) plasma irregularities made between August 1996 and April 2000 are analyzed statistically. Interpretation of the data is simplified by adopting a taxonomy of echo types which distinguishes between bottom-type, bottomside, topside, and post-midnight irregularities. The data reveal patterns in the occurrence of ESF in the Peruvian sector that are functions of season, solar flux, and geomagnetic activity. We confirm earlier work by Fejer et al. (J. Geophys. Res. 104 (1999) 19,859) showing that the quiet-time climatology of the irregularities is strongly influenced by the climatology of the zonal ionospheric electric field. Under magnetically quiet conditions, increasing solar flux implies greater pre-reversal enhancement amplitudes and, consequently, irregularity appearances at earlier times, higher initial altitudes, and higher peak altitudes. Since the post-reversal westward background electric field also grows stronger with increasing solar flux, spread F events also decay earlier in solar maximum than in solar minimum. Variation in ESF occurrence during geomagnetically active periods is consistent with systematic variations in the electric field associated with the disturbance dynamo and prompt penetration described by Fejer and Scherliess (J. Geophys. Res. 102 (1997) 24,047) and Scherliess and Fejer (J. Geophys. Res. 102 (1997) 24,037). Quiet-time variability in the zonal electric field contributes significantly to variability in ESF occurrence. However, no correlation is found between the occurrence of strong ESF and the time history of the zonal electric field prior to sunset.     

中国地区电离层TEC暴扰动研究

电离层总电子含量(TEC)是空间天气研究和监测预报的重要参量.本文引入了电离层TEC扰动指数DI, 对青岛等6个台站的DI数据进行分析,选取DI>0.35(DI≤-0.30)作为正(负)相电离层TEC扰动的强度标准,并以连续6 h及以上的DI满足该值来判定电离层TEC暴扰动事件.对电离层TEC暴扰动事件的统计分析表明,在地方时日落后至子夜前为发生高峰时段,正(负)相暴扰动事件平均持续时间约为10.9 h(10.5 h),正相暴发生率以冬季为多,夏季为少,而负相暴则以夏季略高.发现位于赤道异常驼峰区的广州站和位于高中纬度的海拉尔站比典型中纬地区的北京站电离层TEC暴扰动更易发生,且低纬地区以正相暴扰动为主.分析表明,约有70%的电离层TEC暴扰动伴随着有地磁扰动,但是电离层TEC暴扰动并不完全由地磁扰动所引起,强烈气象活动等局地环境因素也可能对电离层TEC暴扰动有着重要影响.     

Magnetosphere-associated storms and the autonomous storms in the ionosphere–plasmasphere environment

Global GPS-derived ionosphere maps (GIM) of total electron content (TEC) were transformed into magnetic latitude (MLAT) versus magnetic local time (MLT) frame. TEC enhancement or depletion marked by W index show dominant electron content depressions and the ionosphere–plasmasphere storms increasing by nighttime, at high magnetic latitudes and over the crests of equatorial anomaly. Based on W maps, the planetary W_p index was produced and used for derivation of a catalogue of more than 140 TEC storms during 1999–2009. In total 33 space weather intense storms and 35 moderate storms are revealed with four series of indices (AE, A_p, D_st and W_p) but more than half W_p storms were either partially overlapping in time with magnetic storm or observed autonomously under non-storm magnetosphere conditions. Relation between an annual number of intense D_st storms and W_p storms has been used for their prediction towards the peak of the forthcoming 24th solar cycle.     

Variations in the total electron content during the powerful typhoon of August 5–11, 2006, near the southeastern coast of China

The variations in the total electron content (TEC), obtained from the data of 11 ground-based GPS stations in the region (5°S–80°N; 110–160°E) in the period August 2–15, 2006, have been analyzed in order to search for possible ionospheric manifestations of the SAOMAI powerful typhoon (August 5–11, 2006) near the south-eastern coast of China. The global TEC maps (GIM) have also been used. In the region of the typhoon action during the magnetic storm of August 7, 2006, an intensification of the TEC variations in the evening local time within the 32–128 min periods range was detected. However, this effect was most probably caused by the dynamics of the irregular structure of the equatorial anomaly and by the disturbed geomagnetic situation (Kp ～ 3–6, Dst varied from ?74 to ?153 nT). The analysis of the diurnal variations in the absolute values of TEC and TEC variations with periods of 2–25 min did not reveal a substantial increase in the intensity and changes in the spectrum of the TEC variations in the period of typhoon action as compared to the adjacent days. Thus, we failed to detect ionospheric disturbances unambiguously related to the SAOMAI typhoon.     

The structure of the mid- and high-latitude ionosphere during the November 2004 storm event obtained from GPS observations

GPS data from the International GNSS Service (IGS) network were used to study the development of the severe geomagnetic storm of November 7–12, 2004, in the total electron content (TEC) on a global scale. The TEC maps were produced for analyzing the storm. For producing the maps over European and North American sectors, GPS measurements from more than 100 stations were used. The dense network of GPS stations provided TEC measurements with a high temporal and spatial resolution. To present the temporal and spatial variation of TEC during the storm, differential TEC maps relative to a quiet day (November 6, 2004) were created. The features of geomagnetic storm attributed to the complex development of ionospheric storm depend on latitude, longitude and local time. The positive, as well as negative effects were detected in TEC variations as a consequence of the evolution of the geomagnetic storm. The maximal effect was registered in the subauroral/auroral ionosphere during substorm activity in the evening and night period. The latitudinal profiles obtained from TEC maps for Europe gave rise to the storm-time dynamic of the ionospheric trough, which was detected on November 7 and 9 at latitudes below 50°N. In the report, features of the response of TEC to the storm for European and North American sectors are analyzed.     

Ionospheric response to the geomagnetic storm on 13–17 April 2006 in the West Pacific region

This paper presents an investigation of geomagnetic storm effects in the equatorial and middle-low latitude F-region in the West Pacific sector during the intense geomagnetic storm on 13–17 April, 2006. The event, preceded by a minor storm, started at 2130 UT on April 13 while interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B_z component was ready to turn southward. From 14–17 the ionosphere was characterized by a large scale enhancement in critical frequency, foF2 (4～6 MHz) and total electron content (TEC) (～30TECU, 1TECU=1×10¹⁶el/m²) followed by a long-duration negative phase observed through the simultaneous ionospheric sounding measurements from 14 stations and GPS network along the meridian 120°E. A periodic wave structure, known as traveling ionospheric disturbances (TIDs) was observed in the morning sector during the initial phase of the storm which should be associated with the impulsive magnetospheric energy injection to the auroral. In the afternoon and nighttime, the positive phase should be caused by the combination of equatorward winds and disturbed electric fields verified through the equatorial F-layer peak height variation and modeled upward drift of Fejer and Scherliess [1997. Empirical models of storm time equatorial electric fields. Journal of Geophysical Research 102, 24,047–24,056]. It is shown that the large positive storm effect was more pronounced in the Southern Hemisphere during the morning-noon sector on April 15 and negative phase reached to lower magnetic latitudes in the Northern Hemisphere which may be related to the asymmetry of the thermospheric condition during the storm.     

Equatorial ionospheric responses in relation to the occurrence of main phase of intense geomagnetic storms in the local dusk sector

During five intense geomagnetic storms with main phases occurring around local dusk sector, equatorial ionosonde and electrojet data, VHF/UHF scintillation data of Calcutta, and several solar wind parameters are investigated to ascertain the polarity of prompt penetration electric field (PPEF). Abrupt increases in AE, ASY-H and/or sharp decreases in D_st/SYM-H with strong southward IMF B_z may symbolize eastward PPEF to equatorial latitude leading to evolution of density irregularities if the period is associated with arrival and sustenance of large magnetospheric shock compression. On the contrary, westward PPEF is more feasible if the shock reduces suddenly or fluctuates with small values.     

欧洲扇区不同纬度电离层暴特征的统计分析

本文利用Madrigal数据库的TEC数据对2001—2010年间的156次单主相型磁暴事件,统计分析了欧洲扇区从赤道到极光带共5个纬度区域的电离层暴特征,结果表明:(1)电离层暴有明显的纬度分布特征,正负暴出现次数的比例随纬度的降低呈现明显的增加趋势,但夏季赤道地区趋势相反,正负暴比例比更高纬度的反而降低;(2)与主相相比,恢复相期间大部分纬度地区正暴数量减少,负暴数量增加,但赤道地区恢复相期间正暴数量反而增加;(3)中低纬地区电离层暴随磁暴MPO地方时分布特征明显,正暴所对应的MPO主要分布在白天,而MPO发生在夜间容易引起负暴;(4)电离层负暴主要发生在夜间,中、高纬地区负暴的开始时间存在‘时间禁区’,但不同纬度‘时间禁区’的地方时分布有一定差异,正暴分布则相对分散.     

Equatorial spread and dynamics in the F layer over West Africa from ionogram analysis,during the declining solar flux year 1994–1995

Equatorial spread-F (ESF) dynamics is studied based on quarter-hourly series of ionograms recorded in West Africa during the year December 1994 to November 1995. The time evolution of F layer at the typical equatorial site OUAGADOUGOU (Burkina Faso) differs slightly from that at DAKAR (Senegal), located at the northern edge of the magnetic equatorial belt. Comparing ESF occurrences at both stations with the pre-sunrise ones at FORTALEZA (Brazil), we find generally antisymmetric variations on both sides of the Atlantic, except for a common December solstice maximum. We stress the convergence of the multiple-scale morphologies drawn from new radars with those from high-quality ionosonde density (h′,t) plots. This revives the analysis of ESF dynamics and points toward long-term network studies of ESF coupling phenomena.     

2015年3月磁暴期间中国中低纬地区电离层变化分析

2015年3月17日爆发了本太阳活动周最大的地磁暴,Dst指数达到-233 nT.本文利用电离层测高仪f_。F_2和h_mF_2、北斗同步卫星(BDSGEO)TEC以及GPS电离层闪烁S4指数对此次磁暴期间中国中低纬地区(北京、武汉、邵阳和三亚)的电离层变化进行分析,并对此次磁暴所引发电离层暴的可能机制进行了探讨.磁暴期间,中低纬电离层暴整体表现为正相暴之后长时间强的负相暴.3月17日白天中纬正相暴为风场抬升电离层所致,而驼峰区及低纬地区正相暴由东向穿透电场所引起;3月18日白天长时间的强负相暴为西向扰动发电机电场和成分扰动所引起;3月17和18日夜间的负相暴可能是日落东向电场受到抑制以及赤道向风场对扩散的抑制导致驼峰向赤道压缩所致,同时被抑制的日落东向电场强度不足以触发产生赤道扩展F,导致低纬三亚和邵阳夜间电离层闪烁在磁暴期间受到完全抑制.这是我们首次基于北斗同步卫星TEC组网观测开展的电离层暴研究.     

Effect of equatorial ionization anomaly on the occurrence of spread-F

The unique geometry of the geomagnetic field lines over the equatorial ionosphere coupled with the E–W electric field causes the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) and equatorial spread-F (ESF). lonosonde data obtained at a chain of four stations covering equator to anomaly crest region (0.3 to 33 °N dip) in the Indian sector are used to study the role of EIA and the associated processes on the occurrence of ESF. The study period pertains to the equinoctial months (March, April, September and October) of 1991. The ratios of critical frequency of F-layer (f₀F₂) and electron densities at an altitude of 270 km between Ahmedabad (33 °N dip) and Waltair (20 °N dip) are found to shoot up in the afternoon hours on spread-F days showing strengthening of the EIA in the afternoon hours. The study confirms the earlier conclusions made by Raghava Rao et al. and Alex et al. that a well-developed EIA is one of the conditions conducive for the generation of ESF. This study also shows that the location of the crest is also important in addition to the strength of the anomaly.     

A comparison of TEC fluctuations and scintillations at Ascension Island

With increasing reliance on space-based platforms for global navigation and communication, concerns about the impact of ionospheric scintillation on these systems have become a high priority. Recently, the Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) performed amplitude scintillation measurements of L1 (1.575 MHz) signals from GPS satellites at Ascension Island (14.45° W, 7.95° S; magnetic latitude 16° S) during February–April, 1998, to compare amplitude scintillations with fluctuations of the total electron content (TEC). Ascension Island is located in the South Atlantic under the southern crest of the equatorial anomaly of F2 ionization where scintillations will be much enhanced during the upcoming solar maximum period. Ascension Island is included in the global network of the International GPS Service (IGS) and the GPS receivers in this network report the carrier to noise (C/N) ratio, the dual frequency carrier phase and pseudorange data at 30-s intervals. Such data with a sampling interval of 30 s were analyzed to determine TEC, the rate of change of TEC (ROT) and also ROTI, defined as the standard deviation of ROT. The spatial scale of ROTI, sampled at 30 s interval, will correspond to 6 km when the vector sum of the ionospheric projection of the satellite velocity and the irregularity drift orthogonal to the propagation path is of the order of 100 m/s. On the other hand, the scale-length of the amplitude scintillation index corresponds to the Fresnel dimension which is about 400 m for the GPS L1 frequency and an ionospheric height of 400 km. It is shown that, in view of the co-existence of large and small scale irregularities in equatorial irregularity structures, during the early evening hours, and small magnitude of irregularity drifts, ROTI measurements can be used to predict the presence of scintillation causing irregularities. The quantitative relationship between ROTI and S4, however, varies considerably due to variations of the ionospheric projection of the satellite velocity and the ionospheric irregularity drift. During the post-midnight period, due to the decay of small scale irregularities leading to a steepening of irregularity power spectrum, ROTI, on occasions, may not be associated with detectable levels of scintillation. In view of the power law type of irregularity power spectrum, ROTI will, in general, be larger than S4 and the ratio, ROTI/S4, in the present dataset is found to vary between 2 and 10. At high latitudes, where the ionospheric motion, driven by large electric fields of magnetospheric origin, is much enhanced during magnetically active periods, ROTI/S4 may be considerably larger than that in the equatorial region.