Ionospheric storm characteristics deduced from satellite radio beacon observations at three European stations
Abstract
Faraday rotation observations carried out at the stations Neustrelitz, Graz, and Florence by receiving the VHF beacon of the geostationary satellite SIRIO have been used to analyze more than hundred storm periods mainly on a statistical basis. Additionally, total electron content data obtained from differential Doppler measurements at NNSS satellite signals and vertical sounding data of the stations Dourbes and Rome are included in this analysis. The average response of the ionosphere shows an extended positive phase in winter, whereas a well pronounced negative phase is typical for summer conditions. It is evident that the positive phase in electron content occurs in all seasons on the first storm day. The more pronounced storm effects in electron content than in f0F2 indicate the important role of the upper ionosphere during storms. Immediately after SSC an eastward directed electric field is assumed to lift up the ionospheric plasma into regions of reduced loss. In general, the storm-associated percentage deviations of ionospheric electron content, F2 layer critical frequency, slab thickness, as well as F2 layer height increase with enhanced geomagnetic activity.
- Publication:
-
Annales Geophysicae
- Pub Date:
- May 1990
- Bibcode:
- 1990AnGeo...8..343J
- Keywords:
-
- Ionospheric Storms;
- Radio Beacons;
- Satellite Observation;
- Sudden Storm Commencements;
- F 2 Region;
- Ionospheric Electron Density;
- Synchronous Satellites;
- Upper Ionosphere;
- Winter