Dependence of Parallel Electrical Conductivity in the Topside Ionosphere on Solar and Geomagnetic Activity

Abstract The spatial and temporal dynamics of ionospheric currents are among the most evident manifestations interaction between magnetized plasma solar origin magnetosphere‐ionosphere system. In this context, a special role is played by field‐aligned (FACs), which drive energy momentum exchanges magnetosphere ionosphere, deeply affecting balance latter. One relevant physical quantities that may help to fully characterize FACs electrical conductivity. Understanding features associated with quantity contribute advancement knowledge on mechanisms wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere as well storage dissipation involved in space weather phenomena. By extending previous study, we investigate dependence conductivity parallel geomagnetic field activity. To aim, considered six‐year long data set in‐situ electron density temperature values recorded Langmuir probes board Swarm satellites topside ionosphere. With large set, computed global maps under both quiet disturbed conditions, for different activity levels. cases, International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model allowed estimating contribution particle precipitation