Analysis of total electron content over the African low-latitude region during the maximum phase of solar cycle 24 (2012–2014)

Abstract

This study examined the ionospheric variation over the African low-latitude region using Total Electron Content (TEC) and its wavelet power spectrum (WPS). TEC data were obtained from five Global Positioning System (GPS) stations located in the trough and crests of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) in both hemispheres during quiet periods of the maximum phase of solar cycle 24 (2012–2014). Our results revealed a striking equinoctial asymmetry (EA) with stronger TEC and higher solar flux in September equinox than March equinox of 2012–2013, with the reverse being the case in 2014. As such, the difference in solar flux between both equinoxes might have played a dominant role in driving the EA. Furthermore, we found a hemispheric asymmetry in TEC with higher value towards the crest in the northern hemisphere (southern hemisphere) in September equinox (March equinox) of 2012–2013. In 2014, nevertheless, TEC was remarkably higher towards the crest located in the southern hemisphere in September equinox only. The chaotic time series methods used to examine the TEC variations showed positive Lyapunov exponents (LE) at all stations. This indicated the presence of chaoticity in the African EIA. Nevertheless, stations located towards the southern crest (Eldoret and Dodoma) had the maximum LE values while those at the magnetic equator (Adis Ababa) and northern crest (Nama and Al Wajh) had the minimum values. Consequently, the changes in the internal dynamics of the equatorial ionosphere have impacts on its chaotic behavior.