Influence of solar sector boundaries on ionospheric variability
A latitude network of total electron content (TEC) observations has been used to assess the contributions to day-to-day F region variability associated with variety of solar-terrestrial phenomena. Recent discussions of a proposed ''sun-weather coupling'' effect related to solar wind sector boundary (SB) crossing prompted a systematic search to document any upper atmospheric components of such a linkage. TEC data from several North American sites close to the 70/sup 0/W meridian (Narssarssuaq, Greenland (L = 5): Goose Bay, Labrador (L = 4); Sagamore Hill, Massachusetts (L = 3): and the Kennedy Space Center, Florida (L = 2) were examined during the years 1973--1975. Average daytime (0900--1700 LT) TEC values were examined for sector polarity (plus tominus versus minus to plus) effects and for overall latitudinal patterns during a period of +- 5 days from the SB crossings. Average results for the entire data set show peak excursions well within the +- 20-25% deviations associated with day-to-day variability. There is, however, a remarkable consistency in the coherence of the small amplitude latitudinal patterns. At middle to high latitudes (L = 3-5), the TEC variations show an ordered transition from enhancements to depletions following an SB crossing. At lower latitudes (L = 2), the opposite pattern of depletions to enchanements occurs. An identical analysis for geomagnetic activity for geomagnetic activity variations (using the planetary index Ap) reveals the well-known pattern of a transition from relatively quiet to relatively disturbed activity as a sector is crossed.
- Research Organization:
- Department of Astronomy, Boston University
- OSTI ID:
- 5015759
- Journal Information:
- J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 88:A11; ISSN JGREA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRON DENSITY
F REGION
FLUCTUATIONS
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
INTERPLANETARY SPACE
IONOSPHERE
IONOSPHERIC STORMS
LATITUDE EFFECT
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
SOLAR WIND
SPACE
VARIATIONS