Effect of Magnetic Storms on the Low Latitude E- layer

Abstract

Effect of magnetic storms on the low and equatorial latitude F2-layer is studied by correlating the 3-hr If <i>K_p</i>-indices with the ionospheric parameters <i>h_p</i>F2 and <i>f</i>₀F2 measured by ground-based ionosondes at three low latitude stations, viz. Delhi (geomag. lat., 19^o11 'N). Bombay (geomag. lat., 10^oN) and Tiruchirapalli (geomag. lat. 01^o 05'N). The simultaneous occurrence of disturbances at the three stations indicated the penetration of storm-induced electric fields to low and equatorial latitude ionosphere. However, the abnormal behaviour of the ionosphere which is characterized by lowering of <i>f</i>₀F2 with uplifting of the layers is shown to be caused by neutral air winds. Thus a combination of both the electric fields and neutral air winds affects the low and equatorial latitude ionosphere during the periods of magnetic disturbances.