Seasonal and solar activity dependent variations of the geomagnetic activity effect at high latitudes

Thermospheric N₂ density data measured in the high-latitude joule heating region are investigated to establish systematic variations of the geomagnetic activity effect. It is found that the disturbance effects are larger during winter conditions and also during low solar activity.     

Solar activity and human health at middle and low geomagnetic latitudes in Central America

The study of the possible effect of solar variability on living organisms is one of the most controversial issues of present day science. It has been firstly and mainly carried on high latitudes, while at middle and low latitudes this study is rare. In the present review we focused on the work developed at middle and low geomagnetic latitudes of America. At these geomagnetic latitudes the groups consistently dedicated to this issue are mainly two, one in Cuba and the other in Mexico.     

Modelling ionospheric vertical drifts over Africa low latitudes using Empirical Orthogonal functions and comparison with climatological model

For the first time, empirical model of daytime vertical $\mathbf{E}\times \mathbf{B}$ drift based on Empirical Orthogonal functions (EOF) decomposition technique is presented. Day-to-day variability of $\mathbf{E}\times \mathbf{B}$ drift inferred from horizontal (H) geomagnetic field data around dip latitude for the period of 2008–2013 is used to both develop and validate the model. Results show that the EOF technique is promising with modelled values and data giving correlation coefficient values of at least 0.90 for geomagnetic conditions of both $K_p?3$ and $K_p>3$ within 2008–2013. Independent model validation shows that in situ $\mathbf{E}\times \mathbf{B}$ values from ion velocity meter (IVM) instrument on-board C/NOFS satellite are closer to model $\mathbf{E}\times \mathbf{B}$ estimates than the climatological Scherliess-Fejer (SF) model incorporated within the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI).     

Comparison of measured and predicted F2 peak altitude

Different models for the F2 peak altitude hmF2 are compared with mean values determined from incoherent scatter measurements of the radar stations Jicamarca/Peru and Arecibo/Puerto Rico at all local times. Our investigation shows that the daytime hmF2 is fairly well represented by the most recent models, whereas at nighttime, higher peak altitudes are measured than predicted by either model. The observed diurnal structure is slightly misinterpreted by the models above Jicamarca and is strongly disagreeing above Arecibo.     

A model for stochastic acceleration of electrons during geomagnetic storms

The theory of resonant diffusion is extended to fully relativistic plasmas, and we examine resonant interactions between electrons and electromagnetic R mode (whistler) and L-mode (EMIC) waves. Resonant diffusion curves are constructed for plasma parameters representative of the Earth's storm time magnetosphere, both inside and outside the plasmapause. EMIC waves can resonate with electrons > 1 MeV, but the energies remain nearly constant along the diffusion curves. Storm-time EMIC waves can induce rapid pitch—angle scattering, but the waves are ineffective for stochastic acceleration of elections. Substantial energy change can occur along the diffusion curves for interactions between resonant electrons and whistler—mode waves, especially in regions of low plasma density. Specifically, whistlers can accelerate electrons from energies near 100 keV to above 1 MeV outside the plasmapause. A model is proposed comprising energy diffusion by whistler-mode chorus and pitch-angle scattering by EMIC waves to account for the gradual acceleration of electrons over the region 4 ≤ L ≤ 6 during the recovery phase of a geomagnetic storm.     

Total electron content at low latitudes and its comparison with the IRI90

We used total electron content (TEC) data measured by Faraday rotation technique over Cachoeira Paulista (22.5°S, 45°W), in Brazil, to study the TEC variations with the solar flux at 10.7 cm (F10.7) and to compare the results with the IRI90 predictions. The data were divided into summer, equinox and winter. During the analysed period F10.7 varied from 66 up to 330. Our data shows that the observed TEC at 1600 LT (around the diurnal maximum) and at 0500 LT (around the diurnal minimum) increases with F10.7 until saturation is reached which occurs at F10.7≈210 to 220 for equinox and summer, and at F10.7≈180 for winter months. Comparison with the IRI90 predictions shows that IRI overestimates the TEC at 0500 LT for all solar flux values. At 1600 LT, IRI overestimates the observed TEC for low solar flux but underestimates it for high solar flux values.     

Comparison of model and experimental ionospheric parameters at high latitudes

Modern use and study of the auroral region needs to attract a wider class of models for describing conditions of radio wave propagation in the ionosphere. In this paper the possibilities of the International Reference Ionosphere model, well-proven and widespread in the mid-latitudes, are investigated in the high latitude zone. Model and measured values of the critical frequency foF2 for two mid-latitude stations (Juliusruh and Goosebay) and four high-latitude ones (Loparskaya, Sodankyla, Sondrestrom, Thule) are compared. Deviations of medians, variations from day to day and solar activity trends seemed to be similar for both areas. This similarity is irrespective of the RZ12 index. Special attention is paid to the TEC parameter and its determination using 6 versions of models, a new version of the model IRI2010 (IRI-Plas) among them. It is shown that the IRI-Plas model significantly improves the definition of TEC in contrast to the versions of IRI2007 and the new model NeQuick. The use of the median of the experimental equivalent slab thickness, together with the current values of the TEC, increases by a factor of two the agreement between calculated and measured foF2 values as compared with the variations from day to day. This allows foF2 to be defined in near-real time.     

An empirical model of electron density for low and middle latitudes below 200 km

Our empirical model of electron density (n_e) for quiet and weakly disturbed geomagnetic conditions (Kp not greater 4) takes account of comparative analysis of existing models and of experimental data obtained by rockets and incoherent scatter radar. The model describes the n_e distribution in the 80 to 200 km height range at low and middle latitudes, and to some extent, in the subauroral region. It is presented in analytical form thus allowing one to calculate electron density profiles for any time. The electron density distribution at 140 km depends on the season (day of the year) and on the solar zenith angle. Profile variations during the day are for one season shown. Different from other models, ours specifies the variations during sunrise and sunset and reflects the particular profile shape at night admitting the occurrence of an intermediate layer.     

Empirical model of the TEC response to the geomagnetic activity over the North American region

The paper presents an empirical model of the total electron content (TEC) response to the geomagnetic activity described by the K_p-index. The model is built on the basis of TEC measurements covering the region of North America (50°W–150°W, 10°N–60°N) for the period of time between October 2004 and December 2009. By using a 2D (latitude-time) cross-correlation analysis it is found that the ionospheric response to the geomagnetic activity over the considered geographic region and at low solar activity revealed both positive and negative phases of response. The both phases of the ionospheric response have different duration and time delay with respect to the geomagnetic storm. It was found that these two parameters of the ionospheric response depend on the season and geographical latitude. The presence of two phases, positive and negative, of the ionospheric response imposed the implementation of two different time delay constants in order to properly describe the two different delayed reactions. The seasonal dependence of the TEC response to geomagnetic storms is characterized by predominantly positive response in winter with a short (usually ∼5–6 h) time delay as well as mainly negative response in summer with a long (larger than 15 h) time delay. While the TEC response in March and October is more close to the winter one the response in April and September is similar to the summer one.     

Evaluation of the dynamic cutoff rigidity model using dosimetry data from the STS-28 flight.

We have a developed a dynamic cutoff rigidity model based on computed world grids of vertical cutoff rigidities derived from employing the Tsyganenko magnetospheric model. The dynamic range of this model covers all magnetic activity levels specified by integer values of the Kp magnetic index. We present comparisons of the measured dose observed on the space shuttle during the August 1989 solar proton event with the dose computed from solar particles predicted to be allowed through the magnetosphere to the space shuttle position. We find a one-to-one correspondence between the portion of the orbit predicted to be subjected to solar protons and the portion of the orbit where solar particle dose measurements were obtained.     

Use of TEC global maps and the IRI model to study ionospheric response to geomagnetic disturbances

Period of October–November 2003 provides a wide range of geomagnetic conditions. This paper looks at three intervals: a moderate magnetic disturbance (13–16.10.2003) and two intense magnetic storms (29–31.10 and 20–21.11). One purpose of this paper is to define the behavior of the two parameters of the ionosphere, foF2 (or NmF2) and TEC, in this period. Data of foF2 of European ionosondes and TEC values of global maps for the corresponding coordinates are used. The emphasis is on the study of the synchrony of these parameters, which determine the behavior of the proportionality factor τ(obs) between the TEC and NmF2. The second objective is to compare two methods of determining foF2 during the disturbances, using: (i) the STORM-factor of the IRI model, (ii) the median equivalent slab thickness τ(med), together with the global TEC maps. It is shown that synchrony of variations of TEC and NmF2 does not always exist, which leads to unpredictable behavior of τ(obs). Acceptable option of the calculation of foF2 from TEC is to use τ(med), ensuring compliance with the experimental data better than 0.5 MHz in the case of synchrony, and 1.5 MHz when it does not exist. The relationship between τ(obs) and the plasmaspheric part of the TEC of the IRI-Plas model is considered. A comprehensive investigation of this relationship in cases where no synchrony may contribute to the development of model of τ(obs) during the disturbances.     

A statistical analysis of low frequency geomagnetic field pulsations at two Antarctic geomagnetic observatories in the polar cap region

The aim of this study is to investigate the characteristics of low frequency (∼0.5–5 mHz) geomagnetic field fluctuations as recorded at two Antarctic stations within the polar cap: the Italian observatory Mario Zucchelli Station (TNB) and the French–Italian observatory Dome C (DMC) in order to investigate the spatial extension and propagation characteristics of the phenomena observed at very high latitude. The stations have approximately the same geographic latitude, but a very different corrected geomagnetic latitude, being DMC close to the geomagnetic pole and TNB closer to the auroral oval.     

An empirical model of electron temperature for low and middle latitudes in the 100–200 km height region

An empirical model of electron temperature (T_e) for low and middle latitudes is proposed in view of IRI. It is constructed on the basis of experimental data obtained at 100 to 200 km by probe and incoherent scatter methods. Below 150 km the model gives two T_e values: one from incoherent scatter data and another from probe measurements. The model can be used for all seasons for quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp not greater 3) and at almost all levels of solar activity (F_10.7 between 70 and 200). It is presented in an analytical form that allows one to calculate T_e profiles for different latitudes, longitudes and at any season (day). Depending on geomagnetic latitude and solar zenith angle, electron temperature distributions are presented for two heights along with T_e profile variations during the day (at middle latitudes).     

The space-developed dynamic vertical cutoff rigidity model and its applicability to aircraft radiation dose.

We have developed a dynamic geomagnetic vertical cutoff rigidity model that predicts the energetic charged particle transmission through the magnetosphere. Initially developed for space applications, we demonstrate the applicability of this library of cutoff rigidity models for computing aircraft radiation dose. The world grids of vertical cutoff rigidities were obtained by particle trajectory tracing in a magnetospheric model. This reference set of world grids of vertical cutoff rigidities calculated for satellite altitudes covers all magnetic activity levels from super quiet to extremely disturbed (i.e., Kp indices ranging from 0 to 9+) for every three hours in universal time. We utilize the McIlwain "L" parameter as the basis of the interpolation technique to reduce these initial satellite altitude vertical cutoff rigidities to cutoff rigidity values at aircraft altitudes.     

The thermospheric composition different responses to geomagnetic storm in the winter and summer hemisphere measured by “SZ” Atmospheric Composition Detectors

Three “SZ” Atmospheric Composition Detectors (ACDs) on board spacecraft “SZ-2”, “SZ-3” and “SZ-4” were launched on 10th January 2001, 26th March 2002 and 31st December 2002 separately. A large quantity of thermospheric composition data at the orbital altitude ranging from 330 to 362 km were collected from the in-situ measurement of ACDs. The spacecrafts’ lifetime was just in the second peak period of the 23rd solar cycle which includes two peaks and the solar activity value F_10.7 was from 89 to 228. During this period, several intense geomagnetic disturbances happened.     

A morphological study of GPS-TEC data at Agra and their comparison with the IRI model

The temporal and seasonal variations of Total Electron Content (TEC) are studied at Agra (Geographic Lat. 27.17°N, Long. 78.89°E, Dip: 41.4°), India, which is in the equatorial anomaly region, for a period of 12 months from 01 January to 31 December, 2007 using a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver. The mean TEC values show a minimum at 0500 h LT (LT = UT + 5.5 h) and a peak value at about 1400 h LT. The lowest TEC values are observed in winter whereas largest values are observed in equinox and summer. Anomalous variations are found during the period of magnetic disturbances. These results are compared with the TEC derived from IRI-2007 using three different options of topside electron density, NeQuick, IRI01-corr, and IRI-2001. A good agreement is found between the TEC obtained at Agra and those derived from IRI models.     

Variations of the magnetosheath ion flux and geomagnetic activity

The magnetosheath plays a dominant role in the Sun–Earth connection because the magnetosheath field and plasma actually interact with the magnetosphere. The interactions change the magnetospheric magnetic field from its nominal value through a long chain of different processes. The change is usually described by geomagnetic indices and thus it can be expected that these indices would reflect changes in the magnetosheath. The present paper analyzes the relation between geomagnetic activity characterized by changes of the K_p, D_ST and AE indices and ion flux measured in the night-side magnetosheath. The results suggest a weak dependence of the D_ST index on the ion flux in the inner magnetosheath that is connected with a magnetopause displacement. On the other hand, fluctuations of the ion flux in the analyzed frequency range do not correlate with any of the indices.     

A study on possible solar and geomagnetic effects on the precipitation over northwestern Argentina

The precipitation over Tucuman (26.8°S; 65.2°W), which is representative of the Northwestern region of Argentina, is analyzed in search of an association with solar and geomagnetic activity, with the purpose of contributing to the controversial issue on the connection between climate variation and anthropogenic vs. natural forcing. Monthly time series of precipitation, sunspot number (Rz), and aa index were used for the period 1884–2010. A wavelet analysis was performed first which, due to the time series length, shows significant results only for periodicities lower than 32 years. Due to the transient character and non-constant phase of the results, any sustained wavelet coherence between precipitation and either sunspots or aa could be noticed. Moving averages and correlations were also assessed. The 11 and 22-year running mean of precipitation is positively correlated to Rz and aa when the whole period of analysis is considered. However, a shift in the long-term behavior of precipitation is noticed around 1940, which implies different correlation values with Rz and aa when the period before or after this year are considered. The solar cycle length is also considered for this statistical study and partly confirms the results obtained with Rz and aa. We propose plausible physical explanations based on geomagnetic activity and total solar irradiance effects over atmospheric circulation that could support the statistical result. A deeper analysis and broader geographical coverage is needed in order to detect a connection between precipitation and solar variability discernible from greenhouse gases effects. We emphasize the idea of the importance of recognizing and quantifying the different forcing acting on precipitation (or any other climate parameter), which sometimes can be barely evident from a solely statistical analysis.     

Polar ionosphere and geomagnetic response for the flux transfer events: A case study

On April 15th 2003, Cluster crossed the dayside magnetopause boundary and observed a series flux transfer events (FTEs) during the interval from 0630 to 0730 UT. During this period, the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) showed a negative z component and a positive y component. Simultaneous corresponding transient plasma flows were identified in the near-conjugate polar ionosphere by the CUTLASS Finland HF radar, and the geomagnetic field disturbances were observed by the IMAGE ground-based magnetometers. By combing these data and applying the Cooling model, we show that the transient plasma flows and the geomagnetic field disturbances are closely related to the dayside FTEs.     

A geomagnetic activity forecast for improving the efficiency of aeromagnetic surveys in Greenland

In recent years several aeromagnetic surveys were carried out in Greenland and more will be carried out in the future. We describe some of the characteristics pertinent to surveys in Greenland and the problems faced and experiences made by the survey teams working there, with special emphasis on the west coast where most surveys were conducted. Both unfavorable terrestrial weather and space weather appear to complicate survey planning. We discuss possible options available to the survey teams for mitigating the adverse effect of part of the problems, namely survey data contamination by intense geomagnetic activity. The implementation of a prototype geomagnetic activity forecast service as an aid to planning survey flights is discussed in more detail. The forecast service was tested by an independent observer, and the performance of the scheme is evaluated by a subsequent comparison between forecast and actual measurements. The comparison rendered largely acceptable results, but their validity is limited by the fact that the two-month test interval was characterized by a mostly relatively quiet magnetic field.