Regular pattern in the solar wind impact on the ionosphere

Abstract

The solar wind is known to have a significant impact on the ionosphere-thermosphere variability during geomagnetic storm conditions. High amounts of energy ingested from the solar wind into the Earth system at high latitudes modify the ionospheric electric fields, generate strong heating and changes in the thermospheric circulation and composition and finally modify the ionospheric electron density. The ionospheric response to storm conditions shows a high variability, what makes the prediction of ionospheric storm conditions a big challenge. This presentation shows that the solar wind has a persistent impact on the ionosphere. We show two examples of high and mid-latitude stations, where regular patterns can be observed in the ionospheric response to solar wind variability. An increase of the electron density in response to solar wind variability can be observed especially during daytime winter conditions. During summer conditions the ionosphere responds clearly with a decrease of the electron density at all local times. This regular pattern changes with the solar activity cycle. E.g. the summer negative response is weak during low solar activity periods. The knowledge gained by this study is relevant for the development of more accurate predictions of the ionospheric storms