Atmospheric Changes Observed in Antarctica Related to the Sun-Earth Interactions

Abstract

Here we present the ionosphere behavior obtained from measurements done with the ionosonde operating at Comandante Ferraz Brazilian Antarctic Station (EACF) in 2011. We also discuss its long-term behavior obtained from 2004 to 2011 using very low frequency radio signals and GPS measurements. During quiet periods the ionosphere is controlled by the solar Lyman alpha radiation, presenting variations closely associated with the 11-year sunspot number. But it is strongly affected by the excess of X-ray emission produced during the solar flares. The long-term studies of ionosphere behavior have also shown it presents strong variations during local wintertime, which were found to be closely related to the waves of neutral atmospheric origin. The studies of ionosphere behavior have been improving our understanding of its response to natural phenomena, and about its coupling with the other atmospheric layers. The energy exchange among atmospheric layers might be an important factor in the climate conditions/changes, which affect the terrestrial and marine environment, especially in the polar region.