Geomagnetic storm effects in the ionospheric E- and F-regions

Ground-based ionosonde data obtained at Alma-Ata station [φ=43.25°N, λ=76.92°E, Φ=33.47°N, L=1.44) were analysed to study the ionospheric responses of nine intense (Kp≥8, Dst<−100 nT) geomagnetic storms with storm sudden commencement (ssc). The collected data show that the ionospheric responses to the geomagnetic storms are highly complex and variable; however, negative ionospheric disturbances are a common feature of the responses. The occurrence of normal night E2-, E-, F1- and auroral type r (retardation) sporadic Es-layers, which are unusual for Alma-Ata, was observed during most active phase in the Dst index. Employing the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI), the night-time E region electron density Ne was estimated for “quiet” conditions on the epochs of the storm time periods. A direct comparison of the “quiet” and “storm” electron density in the 110–200 km altitude range shows a significant storm-induced increase in Ne that reaches a factor of approximately 10 at the 110 km altitude. The interaction of precipitating energetic neutralised ring current particles with the upper atmosphere during geomagnetic disturbances is assumed to be a possible explanation for the observed night events at this latitude sector.

► Night-time E layers are observed over Alma-Ata during intense geomagnetic storms.
► Employing the IRI model the E layer electron density enhancements is estimated.
► Precipitation of energetic neutral atoms is viewed as a possible cause of the event.