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Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle...
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Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling (2nd Edition)

A special issue of Atmosphere (ISSN 2073-4433). This special issue belongs to the section "Upper Atmosphere".

Deadline for manuscript submissions: closed (29 March 2024) | Viewed by 13059

Special Issue Editor

Dr. Christine Amory-Mazaudier

E-Mail Website
Guest Editor
Sorbonne Université, Ecole Polytechnique, Institut Polytechnique de Paris, Université Paris Saclay, Observatoire de Paris, CNRS, Laboratoire de Physique des Plasmas (LPP), 75005 Paris, France
Interests: ionosphere (thermodynamics and electrodynamics); atmosphere (dynamic low atmosphere); Earth’s magnetic field; Earth–Sun relations; history of geophysics
Special Issues, Collections and Topics in MDPI journals

Special Issue Information

Dear Colleagues,

This Special Issue is a follow-up of the first Special Issue entitled “Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling” (https://www.mdpi.com/journal/atmosphere/special_issues/Space_Weather_Events) published in Atmosphere in 2022 and will cover all aspects of Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events.

Since 1990, the discipline of space weather has vigorously developed. This new discipline aims to discover the impact of solar events on the near-Earth environment and the effects of these events on human activity and technologies.

Under the aegis of the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA), a program to develop Space Sciences in developing countries was initiated in 1991. Several large scientific programs, such as IEEY (International Equatorial Electrojet Year), IHY (International Heliophysical Year), and ISWI (International Space Weather Initiative), have made it possible to install instruments at middle and low latitudes, including networks of GNSS (Global Navigation Satellite System) stations, magnetometers and other sensors. GNSS networks make it possible to know how solar events such as solar flares, CMEs (corona mass ejections), or fast winds flowing from solar coronal holes disrupt the path of transmission waves from the satellites to the Earth. The main source of these disturbances is the ionosphere. On the other side, magnetometers make it possible to understand the disturbances of the Earth’s magnetic field by the same solar events.

In the context of space weather, it is important to understand the physical mechanisms acting at the level of the Sun in the interplanetary environment, as well as the Earth’s thermosphere and the ionosphere. This Special Issue will therefore include articles reviewing mechanisms that have been known for several decades, as well as new original findings.

In the equatorial zone, certain particular geophysical phenomena exist, such as the equatorial fountain, the PRE (pre-reversal enhancement of the eastward electric field), and the equatorial electrojet (EEJ). This Special Issue will therefore include articles concerning the perturbations generated by solar disturbances on these equatorial parameters through the electrodynamic coupling between high and low latitudes.

Special attention will be given to the use of GNSS data to characterize the scintillations of the electromagnetic signal due to plasma irregularities and equatorial plasma bubbles (EPB), which are particularly important in the equatorial zone.

Dr. Christine Amory-Mazaudier
Guest Editor

Manuscript Submission Information

Manuscripts should be submitted online at www.mdpi.com by registering and logging in to this website. Once you are registered, click here to go to the submission form. Manuscripts can be submitted until the deadline. All submissions that pass pre-check are peer-reviewed. Accepted papers will be published continuously in the journal (as soon as accepted) and will be listed together on the special issue website. Research articles, review articles as well as short communications are invited. For planned papers, a title and short abstract (about 100 words) can be sent to the Editorial Office for announcement on this website.

Submitted manuscripts should not have been published previously, nor be under consideration for publication elsewhere (except conference proceedings papers). All manuscripts are thoroughly refereed through a single-blind peer-review process. A guide for authors and other relevant information for submission of manuscripts is available on the Instructions for Authors page. Atmosphere is an international peer-reviewed open access monthly journal published by MDPI.

Please visit the Instructions for Authors page before submitting a manuscript. The Article Processing Charge (APC) for publication in this open access journal is 2400 CHF (Swiss Francs). Submitted papers should be well formatted and use good English. Authors may use MDPI's English editing service prior to publication or during author revisions.

Keywords

  • space weather
  • electromagnetic environment
  • plasma
  • ionosphere
  • solar disturbances
  • Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS)
  • equatorial zone
  • middle and low latitudes

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Published Papers (6 papers)

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Research

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20 pages, 3373 KiB  
Article
Total Electron Content PCA-NN Prediction Model for South-European Middle Latitudes
by Anna Morozova, Teresa Barata, Tatiana Barlyaeva and Ricardo Gafeira
Atmosphere 2023, 14(7), 1058; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14071058 - 21 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1463
Abstract
A regression-based model was previously developed to forecast total electron content (TEC) at middle latitudes. We present a more sophisticated model using neural networks (NN) instead of linear regression. This regional model prototype simulates and forecasts TEC variations in relation to space weather [...] Read more.
A regression-based model was previously developed to forecast total electron content (TEC) at middle latitudes. We present a more sophisticated model using neural networks (NN) instead of linear regression. This regional model prototype simulates and forecasts TEC variations in relation to space weather conditions. The development of a prototype consisted of the selection of the best set of predictors, NN architecture, and the length of the input series. Tests made using the data from December 2014 to June 2018 show that the PCA-NN model based on a simple feed-forward NN with a very limited number (up to six) of space weather predictors performs better than the PCA-MRM model that uses up to 27 space weather predictors. The prototype is developed on a TEC series obtained from a GNSS receiver at Lisbon airport and tested on TEC series from three other locations at middle latitudes of the Eastern North Atlantic. Conclusions on the dependence of the forecast quality on longitude and latitude are made. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling (2nd Edition))
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16 pages, 5372 KiB  
Article
Exploring the Relationship between Geomagnetic Variations and Seismic Energy Release in Proximity to the Vrancea Seismic Zone
by Andrei Mihai, Victorin-Emilian Toader, Iren-Adelina Moldovan and Mircea Radulian
Atmosphere 2023, 14(6), 1005; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14061005 - 10 Jun 2023
Viewed by 1694
Abstract
Understanding the seismo–ionospheric coupling mechanism requires a quiet geomagnetic condition, as this represents an ideal situation to detect abnormal variations in the geomagnetic field. In reality, continuous interactions between solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere create many fluctuations in the geomagnetic field that are [...] Read more.
Understanding the seismo–ionospheric coupling mechanism requires a quiet geomagnetic condition, as this represents an ideal situation to detect abnormal variations in the geomagnetic field. In reality, continuous interactions between solar wind and Earth’s magnetosphere create many fluctuations in the geomagnetic field that are more related to sun–magnetosphere interactions than to seismotectonic causes. A triaxial magnetometer was installed at the Muntele Rosu Observatory near the Vrancea seismic zone in 1996 to measure the local magnetic field. Since 2002, the data have become more consistent, allowing for the representation of long time series. Since then, variations have been observed on the eastern component (By) of the magnetic field, which sometimes overlaps with significant earthquakes. Previous studies have shown that high decreases in amplitude recorded on the By component of the magnetic field measured at Muntele Rosu have been accompanied by higher seismicity, while small decreases have been accompanied by lower seismic energy release. This research analyzes the geomagnetic data collected between September 2002 and May 2008 from two geomagnetic observatories, one located in the proximity of the Vrancea seismic zone and another one situated 120 km away. For each geomagnetic anomaly identified, the daily seismic energy released was plotted logarithmically, along with seismicity and Kp indices. Additionally, the daily seismic energy released was also plotted logarithmically for all earthquakes with Mw ≥3. To identify variations in the By component, datasets recorded at Muntele Rosu (MLR) were compared with those recorded at Surlari National Geomagnetic Observatory (SUA), to discriminate between global magnetic variations associated with solar activity and possible seismo–electromagnetic variations. The standard deviation (SDBy) was calculated for each anomaly recorded on the By component of the magnetic field and compared with the cumulative seismic energy release. To determine if this type of variation was present in other components of the magnetic field, the following ratios were calculated for all data recorded at Muntele Rosu: Bz/Bx, Bz/By, and Bz/BH. The size of the anomalies resulting from the standard deviation measured on the By component (SDBy) partially validates the relationship between the size of the anomalies and the seismic energy release during the anomaly. The relationship between the released seismic energy and the anomaly magnitude is vaguely respected, but these variations seem to follow two patterns. One pattern is described by smooth decreases, and the other pattern involves decreases where the By component varies significantly over short periods, generating decreases/increases in steps. It was noticed that seismic activity is greater for the second pattern. Additionally, using standard deviation measured on the magnetic field represents a great tool to discriminate external magnetic field variations from local, possibly seismo–magnetic variations. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling (2nd Edition))
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19 pages, 6917 KiB  
Article
Ionosphere over Eastern North Atlantic Midlatitudinal Zone during Geomagnetic Storms
by Teresa Barata, Joana Pereira, Manuel Hernández-Pajares, Tatiana Barlyaeva and Anna Morozova
Atmosphere 2023, 14(6), 949; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14060949 - 29 May 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 1954
Abstract
The ionospheric response at middle latitudes to geomagnetic storms is not yet very well understood. Total electron content (TEC) variations associated with eight strong geomagnetic storms between 2015 and 2022 obtained from GNSS receivers in the eastern area of the North Atlantic (Portuguese [...] Read more.
The ionospheric response at middle latitudes to geomagnetic storms is not yet very well understood. Total electron content (TEC) variations associated with eight strong geomagnetic storms between 2015 and 2022 obtained from GNSS receivers in the eastern area of the North Atlantic (Portuguese continental and insular territory) are studied in an attempt to fill this gap. It was found that for most of the studied geomagnetic storms, TEC variations are synchronous for the longitudinal ranges from 27° W and 9° W. In the southern part of the studied region (around 32° N), the amplitude of TEC variations is, in general, significantly higher than in the northern part (around 39° N). Some of the studied geomagnetic storms were associated with TEC variations that we interpret as effects of post-sunset equatorial plasma bubbles that travelled well north from their habitual region. Additionally, though most of the studied storms were accompanied by reports on different kinds of malfunction of GNSS systems (GPS; GALILEO and other), there is no clear pattern in their appearance in dependence on the geomagnetic/ionospheric storms’ strength, commencement time, and its characteristics, in general. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling (2nd Edition))
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11 pages, 2213 KiB  
Article
TEC and ROTI Measurements from a New GPS Receiver at BOWEN University, Nigeria
by Olawale S. Bolaji, Rafiat O. Kaka, Wayne A. Scales, Joshua B. Fashae, Yuxiang Peng, A. Babatunde Rabiu, Joshua O. Fadiji and Aanuoluwapo Ojelade
Atmosphere 2023, 14(4), 636; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14040636 - 28 Mar 2023
Cited by 3 | Viewed by 2476
Abstract
Scintillation and total electron content (TEC) are the two major examples of the top-side ionospheric parameters that are recorded differently by most Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. The new GPS sensor created by the Atmospheric and Space Technology Research Associates (ASTRA), Cornell University, [...] Read more.
Scintillation and total electron content (TEC) are the two major examples of the top-side ionospheric parameters that are recorded differently by most Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers. The new GPS sensor created by the Atmospheric and Space Technology Research Associates (ASTRA), Cornell University, and the University of Texas, Austin have capability to record scintillation and TEC fluctuations simultaneously. Hence, the Connected Autonomous Space Environment Sensor (CASES) from ASTRA is a software-defined GPS receiver with the dual frequency of L1 C/A and L2C codes for space-weather monitoring and can be remotely programmed via an internet source. The receiver employs numerous novel techniques that make it suitable for space-weather studies compared to other nearby GPS receivers, such as different methods for eliminating local clock effects, an advanced triggering mechanism for determining scintillation onset, data buffering to permit observation of the prelude to scintillation, and data-bit prediction and wipe-off for robust tracking. Moreover, the CASES hardware is made up of a custom-built dual frequency, a digital signal processor board, and a “single board computer” with an ARM microcontroller. We have used the CASES GPS receiver newly installed at Bowen University, Iwo, Nigeria, to investigate the TEC and the rate of the TEC index (ROTI) around the equatorial region. Measurements of the TEC and ROTI showed similar variation trends in monthly, seasonal, and annual periods when compared to TEC and ROTI measurements from a nearby station, BJCO at Cotonou, Benin Republic. The newly installed GPS receiver looks promising for scientific use as it is the only one operational in Nigeria at the moment. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling (2nd Edition))
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Review

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27 pages, 2287 KiB  
Review
The Status of Space Weather Infrastructure and Research in Africa
by Paul Baki, Babatunde Rabiu, Christine Amory-Mazaudier, Rolland Fleury, Pierre J. Cilliers, Joseph Adechinan, Anas Emran, Aziza Bounhir, Claudio Cesaroni, J. Bienvenue Dinga, Patricia Doherty, Idrissa Gaye, Hassen Ghalila, Franck Grodji, John-Bosco Habarulema, Bruno Kahindo, Ayman Mahrous, Honoré Messanga, Patrick Mungufeni, Bruno Nava, Melessew Nigussie, Joseph Olwendo, Patrick Sibanda, René Tato Loua, Jean Uwamahoro, Naima Zaourar and Jean-Louis Zerboadd Show full author list remove Hide full author list
Atmosphere 2023, 14(12), 1791; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14121791 - 5 Dec 2023
Cited by 1 | Viewed by 2592
Abstract
Space weather science has been a growing field in Africa since 2007. This growth in infrastructure and human capital development has been accompanied by the deployment of ground-based observing infrastructure, most of which was donated by foreign institutions or installed and operated by [...] Read more.
Space weather science has been a growing field in Africa since 2007. This growth in infrastructure and human capital development has been accompanied by the deployment of ground-based observing infrastructure, most of which was donated by foreign institutions or installed and operated by foreign establishments. However, some of this equipment is no longer operational due to several factors, which are examined in this paper. It was observed that there are considerable gaps in ground-based space-weather-observing infrastructure in many African countries, a situation that hampers the data acquisition necessary for space weather research, hence limiting possible development of space weather products and services that could help address socio-economic challenges. This paper presents the current status of space weather science in Africa from the point of view of some key leaders in this field, focusing on infrastructure, situation, human capital development, and the research landscape. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling (2nd Edition))
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13 pages, 1985 KiB  
Review
New Ways to Modelling and Predicting Ionosphere Variables
by Sandro M. Radicella
Atmosphere 2023, 14(12), 1788; https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos14121788 - 5 Dec 2023
Cited by 2 | Viewed by 1744
Abstract
The new way of thinking science from Newtonian determinism to nonlinear unpredictability and the dawn of advanced computer science and technology can be summarized in the words of the theoretical physicist Michel Baranger, who, in 2000, said in a conference: “Twenty-first-century theoretical physics [...] Read more.
The new way of thinking science from Newtonian determinism to nonlinear unpredictability and the dawn of advanced computer science and technology can be summarized in the words of the theoretical physicist Michel Baranger, who, in 2000, said in a conference: “Twenty-first-century theoretical physics is coming out of the chaos revolution; it will be about complexity and its principal tool will be the computer.”. This can be extended to natural sciences in general. Modelling and predicting ionosphere variables have been considered since many decades as a paramount objective of research by scientists and engineers. The new approach to natural sciences influenced also ionosphere research. Ionosphere as a part of the solar–terrestrial environment is recognized to be a complex chaotic system, and its study under this new way of thinking should become an important area of ionospheric research. After discussing the new context, this paper will try to review recent advances in the exploration of ionosphere parameter time series in terms of chaos theory and the use of machine-learning algorithms. Full article
(This article belongs to the Special Issue Ionospheric and Magnetic Signatures of Space Weather Events at Middle and Low Latitudes: Experimental Studies and Modelling (2nd Edition))
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