Unveiling the Core Patterns of High-Latitude Electron Density Distribution at Swarm Altitude

Abstract

The ionosphere has distinctive characteristics under different solar and geomagnetic conditions, as well as throughout the seasons, and has a direct impact on our technological life in terms of radio communication and satellite navigation systems. In the pursuit of developing highly accurate ionospheric models and/or improving existing ones, understanding the various physical mechanisms that influence electron density dynamics is critical. In this study, we apply the Multivariate Empirical Mode Decomposition (MEMD) method to the electron density distribution in the mid-to-high latitude (above 50° magnetic latitude) regions in order to identify the dominant scales at which these mechanisms operate. The data were collected by the Swarm mission in the Northern Hemisphere. MEMD allows us to separate the main intrinsic modes and assess their relative contributions to the original one, thereby identifying the most important modes and the spatial scales at which they exert influence. Our study spanned the period from 1 January 2016 to 31 December 2021, which was characterized by low solar activity levels. This choice allowed for a more focused investigation of other variables influencing electron density distribution under similar solar activity conditions. We specifically examined the variations of the resulting modes in relation to different seasons and geomagnetic activity conditions, providing valuable insights into the complex behavior of the ionosphere in response to various external factors.