Geomagnetic storms and Earth magnetic field variations effect on long term-trends in the F2 layer

ANA G. ELIAS; NIEVES ORTIZ DE ADLER

Toulouse

Congreso; 10th Scientific Assembly of the International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy; 2005

IAGA, International Association of Geomagnetism and Aeronomy

It is well known that geomagnetic activity presents long-term variations as well as the intrinsic Earth magnetic field does. Both phenomenon, the first through ionospheric storms and the second through changes in the dip angle, affect the height of the F2 layer peak, hmF2, and the maximum electron concentration measured through foF2. Using experimental data, long-term trends in hmF2 and foF2 of different ionospheric stations are estimated in the present work. These trends are also assessed through theoretical approximations and empirical models considering long-term variations in geomagnetic activity and in the Earth magnetic field. The experimental trend pattern is compared to the theoretical one in order to elucidate the probable cause of ionospheric long-term trends.