Speaker
Description
The ionosphere, extending from approximately 60 to 1000 km altitude, is a dynamic plasma environment critical for radio wave propagation and the performance of Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS). Its variability is strongly influenced by solar activity, notably during coronal mass ejections (CMEs) and intense solar flares, which inject energetic particles and disturbances into the magnetosphere. These events cause rapid and significant fluctuations in the vertical total electron content (VTEC) and generate plasma irregularities measurable by the Rate of TEC Index (ROTI), adversely affecting GNSS signal quality and reliability.
This study focuses on understanding the ionospheric response to solar-driven disturbances at high latitudes, regions particularly exposed to solar wind and polar geomagnetic currents. We utilize GNSS data from the International GNSS Service (IGS), spanning [specify period if known], combined with polar geomagnetic indices PCN and PCS to characterize spatiotemporal variations in VTEC and ROTI during selected solar events.
Our analysis reveals a pronounced hemispheric asymmetry in VTEC, correlated with polar magnetic activity, which highlights differing magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling mechanisms between the northern and southern hemispheres. A clear latitudinal gradient is observed, with VTEC values decreasing toward mid-latitudes, reflecting the geographic dependence of ionospheric response to energetic particle precipitation. Additionally, scintillation activity is markedly enhanced within auroral zones, indicating increased plasma turbulence and irregularities, whereas mid-latitude regions exhibit comparatively stable ionospheric conditions.
Methodologically, we perform a combined statistical and temporal analysis of VTEC and ROTI time series, enabling detailed characterization of ionospheric dynamics and plasma instabilities induced by space weather perturbations. This joint analysis improves the identification of irregularity onset and evolution, essential for refining ionospheric models and forecasting capabilities.
The results contribute to a deeper understanding of the physical processes driving ionospheric irregularities and their impact on GNSS performance, particularly in polar regions where operational challenges are significant. By elucidating the hemispheric asymmetries and latitudinal dependencies of ionospheric variability, this work supports the development of enhanced predictive tools for space weather effects.
This research aligns with the scientific goals of session SWR4 at the ESWW conference, emphasizing the complex interactions within the magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere system and their practical implications for space weather monitoring, communication, and navigation infrastructure resilience.
Keywords: Ionosphere, VTEC, ROTI, GNSS, Solar events, High latitudes, Space Weather, Magnetosphere-Ionosphere coupling, Plasma instabilities.
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