Solar activity and its impact on the mid-latitude trough during geomagnetic storms

Abstract

<p>Mid-latitude trough (MIT) is the distinct structure observed in Earth’s ionosphere at high latitudes especially at the nighttimes. The phenomenon is observed at both hemispheres. As it resides at the topside ionosphere in the sub-auroral region, its behaviour and properties are highly sensitive to the solar and geomagnetic activity. Generally as the geomagnetic activity is more pronounced the MIT is observed at lower latitudes, it also deepens and becomes much more distinct in comparison to the low magnetic activity periods. MIT responds as well to the rapid changes in geomagnetic conditions, as are the geomagnetic storms, mainly caused by the CMEs. </p><p>Based on the observations gathered by DEMETER data between 2005 and 2010 years  we present a set of geomagnetic storm cases and how the MIT properties has been changing as the storm evolves. We also discuss how it corresponds to the current solar activity and their evolutionary history  described by a set of different parameters.</p>