Evaluation of the Mid-Latitude Ionospheric trough Using GRACE Data

Abstract

In this work, statistical analysis of the main ionospheric trough was performed using K-band ranging system (KBR) measurements from the GRACE satellite constellation from 2002 to 2015. The investigated period covers high- and low-solar-activity conditions. The mid-latitude ionospheric trough (MIT) characteristics were investigated for both the northern and southern hemispheres. MIT parameters such as the minimum trough position, trough width and depth, and trough occurrence probability were studied in connection with magnetic local time; geographic distribution; seasons; solar activity; and geomagnetic activity conditions, such as the solar wind plasma speed, interplanetary magnetic field components, and high-resolution geomagnetic indices SYM–H and Hp30.