Discovering fine structures of the ionosphere-thermosphere system using high-resolution general circulation models: A coordinated study of Feb 20, 2014, geomagnetic storm

Ionosphere-Thermosphere (IT) coupling system is highly affected by geomagnetic activities and almost fully determined by the energy input during magnetic storm time. In this study, we use high resolution TIEGCM to discover the IT responses to a moderate storm on Feb 20, 2014. AMIE incorporating various kinds of data sources is used as the high latitude potential model to provide realistic electric fields. Aurora is also modified according to observations instead of solely using empirical models. Further, the lower boundary is specified by retrospective SD-WACCM-X simulation results instead of climatological averages and tides. The high-resolution configuration gives the capability of resolving small scale features which may lead to new insights into the magnetospheric forcing controlled IT processes. Preliminary results show that the electron densities in equatorial ionosphere anomaly differ by 20% solely due to the resolution change, which affects the ionospheric conductivities and therefore electrodynamics. The density and temperature variations resulting from energy depositions will be studied in detail and storm-induced TADs/TIDs will be reconsidered at a finer scale in comparison with previous studies. To what extent wave propagation and general circulation play a role in the development of neutral/ion disturbances will also be carefully investigated.