Study of the E, sporadic E layer and base of the F layer during solar cycles 24 and 25.

Abstract

This research proposal aims to advance the understanding of long- and short-term variability in the E and F region, with specific emphasis on equatorial regions and low latitudes. Investigation of the impacts of geomagnetic storms and substorms on equatorial electrodynamics and the upper/lower ionosphere. The proposal also focuses on the study of large- and small-scale irregularities, the investigation of which is crucial as they seriously affect the propagation of radio waves, resulting in radio scintillation that affects applications such as the Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS). The project outlines three specific scientific objectives: (1) Advance understanding of the daily, seasonal, and solar cycle variability of the low-latitude ionosphere in general, and the EIA and Es in particular, as well as large and medium plasma irregularities scales. (2) Advance understanding of the impact of storms and substorms on equatorial electrodynamics and the response of the upper (region F) and lower (region E) ionosphere and (3) Delineate the effects of magnetic storms and magnetic substorms on equatorial dynamics and regions E and F from low latitudes. The methodology employs ground data (such as L-band scintillation, TEC data from GNSS receivers, ionosonde measurements, incoherent scatter radar data, all-sky imagery, and magnetometer measurements) and space data (from satellites such as SWARM, COSMIC, and GOLD). Furthermore, physics-based models such as the Thermospheric Ionosphere Electrodynamics-General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) will be used to achieve scientific objectives comprehensively. The proposal aims to contribute not only to the fundamental knowledge of ionospheric electrodynamics, but also to face the practical challenges of ionospheric scintillations (specifically in the L band), investigating large and small scale ionospheric irregularities.