Prompt Penetration Electric Field and the Ionospheric Effects of Major Geomagnetic Storms in Low Latitude Stations

Abstract

The effect of prompt penetration electric field of high latitude origin during geomagnetic storms on total electron content (TEC) has been analyzed using GNSS data. The major storm events that occurred in 2015, with particular emphasis to events on 17 March, 22 – 23 June and 5 July was the subject of consideration. The storms started with Storm Sudden Commencement (SSC) and happened during the daytime of about 06:00, 19:00 and 16:00 UT respectively. The effects of penetration electric field during the main phase of the storms was evidence in the low latitude TEC data, as it resulted in the enhancement in TEC in Cotonu and Addis Ababa and subsequent uplift of F-layer. The penetration of electric field to Lagos low latitude resulted in depletion of TEC during the day and night enhancement. The variations in TEC were dependent on time of the day, location and the time of occurrence of the storm. Addis Ababa recorded the highest variation in TEC, followed by Cotonou station. Lagos low latitude consistently recorded the least variations in all the days considered.

Country : Nigeria

1 L.G. Olatunbosun

  1. Department of Science Technology, Federal Polytechnic, Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State, Nigeria

IRJIET, Volume 6, Issue 3, March 2022 pp. 61-67

doi.org/10.47001/IRJIET/2022.603010

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