CUSP-TYPE SPORADIC E LAYER CHARACTERISTICS AT LOW LATITUDES IN THE BRAZILIAN SECTOR

Abstract

The ionospheric sporadic E layer exhibits diverse characteristics that significantly influence radio wave propagation and communication systems. Although extensive research has been conducted on the sporadic E layer across various longitudinal and latitudinal sectors, the cusp-type sporadic E layer remains understudied. This research aims to fill this knowledge gap by conducting a detailed study of cusp-type sporadic E layer occurrences and morphology in the Brazilian low-latitude sector. Digital ionosonde observational data from Palmas (10.17°S, 48.33°W; dip latitude 7.31°S), Jataí (17.9°S, 51.7°W; dip latitude 13.4°S), and São José dos Campos (23.2°S, 45.8°W; dip latitude 21.0°S) will be utilized in the analysis. The main features of the cusp-type sporadic E layer at these low-latitude stations will be investigated during both geomagnetically quiet and disturbed periods. Given the crucial role of the ionosphere in space weather dynamics and telecommunications, the proposed study is intended to contribute to recent global advancements in this field. This underscores the importance of further research in this area, as understanding the behavior of the cusp-type sporadic E layer could have significant implications for improving communication systems and predicting ionospheric space weather events.