Effect of geomagnetic storm conditions on the equatorial ionization anomaly and equatorial temperature anomaly

Bharti, Gaurav; Bag, Tikemani; Krishna, M. V. Sunil

doi:10.1016/j.jastp.2017.12.014

Cited by 4 publications

(1 citation statement)

References 38 publications

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“…Clearly, from the data, ionospheric TEC increased with solar activity (Figure 2). During postsunset hours, the EIA is usually intensified as a result of the evening increase in the equatorial fountain effect (Abdu et al, 2007; Balan et al, 2017; Bharti et al, 2018). Enhancement of eastward electric field, also known as PRE around postsunset hours, intensifies the strength of the EIA (Alken et al, 2013).…”

Section: Resultsmentioning

confidence: 99%

Characterization of African Equatorial Ionization Anomaly During the Maximum Phase of Solar Cycle 24

2020

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This study characterizes the African equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) during the maximum phase of Solar Cycle 24 (2012-2015). Total electron content (TEC) data were obtained from a chain of 13 African Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) receivers (within 36-42°E geographic longitude; 29°N to 10°S geographic latitude; ±20°N magnetic latitude) to study quiet time variations of TEC and thereafter construct the EIA profiles. The correlations of TEC for pairs of conjugate stations within the African EIA were determined. TEC station-to-trough ratio (TEC-STR) was used as an index to determine the strength of the EIA crests. Furthermore, the variability of the EIA crests on a 3-hourly basis over each month was investigated. Overall, equinoxes recorded the highest values of TEC, with the widest latitudinal location of the EIA crests, and June solstice recorded the least, with the characteristic equatorward collapse of the EIA crests. TEC and the location of the crests of the EIA also increased with solar activity. TEC showed good correlations for conjugate pairs of stations, especially for stations closer to the trough. The African EIA morphology showed asymmetry in the locations of the Northern Hemisphere (NH) and Southern Hemisphere (SH) crests. The formation of EIA starts around 0600-0800 LT and decays around 2100-2300 LT. Generally, SH crest forms first before NH crest and also decays first; we attributed this to the effects of the meridional neutral winds. Comparing TEC at African EIA crests with other longitudinal sectors, the Asian sector recorded the highest TEC, while the American sector recorded the least.

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