Ion density variation at upper ionosphere during thunderstorm

Ionosphere is found to be affected by phenomenon taking place above and below it. Troposphere incidents of thunderstorm and lightning, influence ionospheric temperatures and ion density, from D region to a region of high altitude. Low latitude upper ionosphere in the altitude range of 425-625 km over Indian subcontinent is studied for ion density variation during the event of active thunderstorm. Study is done with the help of ionospheric data obtained from in situ measurements made by Indian satellite SROSS C2, and thunderstorm and other related data obtained from Indian Meteorological Department. Ion density in this region found to show a regular fall from 5 to 65% during the event of thunderstorm over normal day values but consistent heating of ions takes place. O+ being the main part of the composition of ionosphere at this altitude so total ion density variation show a similar trend as that of O+ ion, while other ions like O2+, He+ and H+ do not follow any regular trend with the activity of thunderstorm.