Analysis of the 20th November 2003 extreme geomagnetic storm using CTIPe model and GNSS data

Abstract

The ionospheric instabilities produced by solar activity generate disturbances in ionospheric density (ionospheric storms) with important terrestrial consequences such as disrupting communications and positioning. During the 20th November 2003 extreme geomagnetic storm, significant perturbations were produced in the ionosphere - thermosphere system. In this work, we replicate how this system responded to the onset of this particular storm, using the Coupled Thermosphere Ionosphere Plasmasphere electrodynamics physics-based model. CTIPe simulates the changes in the neutral winds, temperature, composition and electron densities. Although modelling the ionosphere under this conditions is a challenging task due to energy flow uncertainties, the model reproduces some of the storm features necessary to interpret the physical mechanisms behind the Total Electron Content (TEC) increase and the dramatic changes in composition during this event. Corresponding effects are observed in the TEC simulations from other physics-based models and from observations derived from Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) and ground-based measurements. The study illustrates the necessity of using both, measurements and models, to have a complete understanding of the processes that are most likely responsible for the observed effects.