Some Ionospheric Effects of the Solar Wind

ABSTRACT

During geomagnetic storms the ionosphere is disturbed and so we speak of ionospheric storms. However, the cause of geomagnetic storms (the solar wind) is always present to some degree and appears to be responsible for some ionospheric anomalies and irregularities.

The mechanism by which the solar wind affects the ionosphere is by electrodynamic and hydromagnetic drift caused by pressure and by friction of the wind on the cavity. This causes widespread magnetospheric drift motions some of them into and out of the ionosphere. Other magnetospheric motions are caused by the quiet-day dynamo field Sq and by the Earth's rotation.

The magnetosphere itself is a large reservoir of ionization (much greater than the ionosphere) and the various motions cause increases and decreases of F-region electron density, thus accounting for many disturbances and anomalies.