Latitudinal Dependence of the Ionospheric Slab Thickness for Estimation of Ionospheric Response to Geomagnetic Storms

The changes in the ionosphere during geomagnetic disturbances is one of prominent Space Weather effects on near-Earth environment. character these can differ significantly at different regions Earth. We studied ionospheric response to five storms March 2012, using data Total Electron Content (TEC) and F2-layer critical frequency (foF2) along meridian 70° W Northern Hemisphere. There are few ionosondes this longitudinal sector: Thule, Sondrestrom, Millstone Hill Puerto Rico. lacking foF2 values between were determined by experimental latitudinal dependences equivalent slab thickness TEC values. During storms, following features characteristic: (a) two-hours (or longer case) delay disturbances, (b) more mid-latitude trough (c) sharper border EIA northern crest. four 7–17 March, general tendency was transition from negative high latitudes intense positive low latitudes. fifth storm, disturbance controlled O/N2 change masked overall prolonged electron density increase 21–31 March. multiple correlation analysis revealed dependence dominant parameters’ impacts foF2.