Effects of geomagnetic storm on low latitude ionospheric total electron content: A case study from Indian sector
Author
Chakraborty, Monti
Kumar, Sanjay
Kumar De, Barin
Guha, Anirban
Date of Issue
2015School
School of Electrical and Electronic Engineering
Version
Published version
Abstract
The effect of geomagnetic storms on low latitude ionosphere has been investigated with the help of Global Positioning System Total Electron Content (GPS-TEC) data. The investigation has been done with the aid of TEC data from the Indian equatorial region, Port Blair (PBR) and equatorial ionization anomaly region, Agartala (AGR). During the geomagnetic storms on 24th April and 15th July 2012, significant enhancement up to 150% and depression up to 72% in VTEC is observed in comparison to the normal day variation. The variations in VTEC observed from equatorial to EIA latitudes during the storm period have been explained with the help of electro-dynamic effects (prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) and disturbance dynamo electric field (DDEF)) as well as mechanical effects (storm-induced equatorward neutral wind effect and thermospheric composition changes). The current study points to the fact that the electro-dynamic effect of geomagnetic storms around EIA region is more effective than at the lower latitude region. Drastic difference has been observed over equatorial region (positive storm impact) and EIA region (negative storm impact) around same longitude sector, during storm period on 24th April. This drastic change as observed in GPS-TEC on 24th April has been further confirmed by using the O/N2 ratio data from GUVI (Global Ultraviolet Imager) as well as VTEC map constructed from IGS data. The results presented in the paper are important for the application of satellite-based communication and navigational system.
Subject
Ionospheric total electron content
Geomagnetic storm
Low latitude ionosphere
Geomagnetic storm
Low latitude ionosphere
Type
Journal Article
Series/Journal Title
Journal of Earth System Science
Rights
© 2015 Indian Academy of Sciences. This paper was published in Journal of Earth System Science and is made available as an electronic reprint (preprint) with permission of Indian Academy of Sciences. The published version is available at: [http://www.ias.ac.in/describe/article/jess/124/05/1115-1126]. One print or electronic copy may be made for personal use only. Systematic or multiple reproduction, distribution to multiple locations via electronic or other means, duplication of any material in this paper for a fee or for commercial purposes, or modification of the content of the paper is prohibited and is subject to penalties under law.
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