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Ionospheric Response to the Space Weather Events of 4-10 September 2017: First Chilean Observations
Journal
The Open Atmospheric Science Journal
ISSN
1874-2823
Date Issued
2019
Author(s)
Manuel Bravo
Universidad de Concepción
Carlos Villalobos
Universidad Adventista de Chile
Rodrigo Leiva Díaz
Luis Tamblay
Universidad de La Serena
Pedro Vega-Jorquera
Elías Ovalle
Alberto Foppiano
DOI
10.2174/1874282301812010001
Abstract
Objective:
The diurnal variations of several ionospheric characteristics during the Space Weather Events of 4-10 September 2017, for Chilean latitudes, will
be reported.
Materials and Methods:
Observations were made using a recently installed ionosonde at the Universidad de La Serena field station (29°52'S; 71°15’W). Also, reported is
the total electron content determined using the upgraded Chilean network of dual-frequency Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
receivers.
Results:
Sudden ionospheric disturbances are described in terms of the minimum reflection frequency determined from ionosonde records. An attempt to
derive the extent of the effect on high frequency propagation paths in the region is made using simultaneous ionosonde observations at other
locations.
The geomagnetic storm ionospheric effects are discussed in detail using the observed diurnal variation of maximum electron concentration
(NmF2), virtual height of the F-region (h’F/F2) and Total Electron Content (TEC). These are complemented with the time-latitude variation of
TEC for the 70°W meridian.
Conclusion:
It is found that large increases of NmF2, h’F/F2 and TEC observed during 8 September 2017 storm are well described in terms of the evolution of
the Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA) over the same time interval. Known physical mechanisms are suggested to explain most of the
observations.
The diurnal variations of several ionospheric characteristics during the Space Weather Events of 4-10 September 2017, for Chilean latitudes, will
be reported.
Materials and Methods:
Observations were made using a recently installed ionosonde at the Universidad de La Serena field station (29°52'S; 71°15’W). Also, reported is
the total electron content determined using the upgraded Chilean network of dual-frequency Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS)
receivers.
Results:
Sudden ionospheric disturbances are described in terms of the minimum reflection frequency determined from ionosonde records. An attempt to
derive the extent of the effect on high frequency propagation paths in the region is made using simultaneous ionosonde observations at other
locations.
The geomagnetic storm ionospheric effects are discussed in detail using the observed diurnal variation of maximum electron concentration
(NmF2), virtual height of the F-region (h’F/F2) and Total Electron Content (TEC). These are complemented with the time-latitude variation of
TEC for the 70°W meridian.
Conclusion:
It is found that large increases of NmF2, h’F/F2 and TEC observed during 8 September 2017 storm are well described in terms of the evolution of
the Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly (EIA) over the same time interval. Known physical mechanisms are suggested to explain most of the
observations.
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