An overview of the Brazilian low-latitude ionospheric response to Space Weather events during the declining phase of solar cycle 24

This study shows an overview of the Brazilian low-latitude ionospheric response during the declining phase and solar minimum of solar cycle 24. It is well-known that during the descending phase, solar low-latitude coronal holes are responsible by solar wind high-speed streams, HSSs, and corotating interaction regions CIRs-driven geomagnetic storms. Although distinct in nature, intensity, and duration of their counterpart Coronal Mass Ejection, CMEs/ICMEs-storms, these solar events can significantly change the low-latitude ionosphere for several days. By using multiple ground-based and satellite instrumental techniques, we analyzed the variation of the Total Electron Content, TEC, its deviation from the quietest average days behavior, and other ionospheric parameters and indices. VTEC intensifications can be as high as 400 % depending on the time of the day or the phase of the storm. The development and suppression of plasma irregularities and ionospheric scintillations are discussed under the point of view of the action of Prompt Penetration of Electric Fields, PPEFs, and Disturbance Dynamo Electric Field, DDEF, the plasma density as well as the auroral activity. Finally, it is discussed the general impact of the fast solar wind moderate geomagnetic storms on the ionospheric climatology under the context of Space Weather prediction.