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Large variations in the thermosphere and ionosphere during minor geomagnetic disturbances in April 2002 and their association with IMF B y
Author | Goncharenko, L.; Salah, J.; Crowley, G.; Paxton, L.; Zhang, Y.; Coster, A.; Rideout, W.; Huang, C.; Zhang, S.; Reinisch, B.; Taran, V.; |
Keywords | Electron density; thermospheric composition; thermospheric wind |
Abstract | We investigate the variations in the thermosphere and ionosphere using multi-instrument observations during the April 2002 period, with a particular focus on periods during small geomagnetic disturbances. Large and long-lasting reductions in the daytime electron density were observed at midlatitudes by incoherent scatter radars, ionosondes, and GPS receivers. These reductions reached 30\textendash50\% and were observed over an extended longitudinal area. They propagated to middle latitudes (35\textendash40\textdegreeN) in the case of a weak geomagnetic disturbance (Kp = 3-) and to low latitudes (0\textendash10\textdegreeN) in the case of a stronger disturbance (Kp = 5-). Data from the GUVI instrument aboard the TIMED satellite reveal a reduction in the daytime O/N2 ratio in the coincident area. Similar decreases are also predicted by the TIMEGCM/ASPEN model in both O/N2 ratio and electron density, though the magnitude of the decrease from the model is smaller than observed. We suggest that these ionospheric and thermospheric disturbances result from high-latitude energy input and efficient transport of regions with reduced O/N2 to lower latitudes. We discuss the possible role of a strong positive By component of the interplanetary magnetic field in the transport of regions with reduced O/N2. |
Year of Publication | 2006 |
Journal | Journal of Geophysical Research |
Volume | 111 |
Number of Pages | |
Section | |
Date Published | 03/2006 |
ISBN | |
URL | http://doi.wiley.com/10.1029/2004JA010683 |
DOI | 10.1029/2004JA010683 |