Analysis of the delayed ionospheric response to solar EUV variability

Abstract

Physical and chemical processes in the ionosphere are driven by complex interactions with the solar radiation. The ionospheric plasma is in particular sensitive to solar extreme ultraviolet variations (EUV) with a time delay between one and two days. The understanding of the influence of solar radiation on the ionosphere and a potential delay in plasma production is essential for the development of realistic ionospheric models, having the potential to allow a precise prediction of the ionosphere with high spatial and temporal resolution. In the past investigations of the ionospheric delay were frequently based on the F10.7 index and EUV data in hourly resolution. In order to analyze the solar radiation effect on the ionospheric plasma, the Total Electron Content (TEC) can be used as indicator for the ionization of the F region and ionosphere in general.