Longitudinal variations in the ionospheric disturbances: Insights from the May 2024 super storm

Ahmad, U., Younas, W., Khan, M., Abbasi, M. M.. (2025). Longitudinal variations in the ionospheric disturbances: Insights from the May 2024 super storm. Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics, doi:https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JA033981

Title Longitudinal variations in the ionospheric disturbances: Insights from the May 2024 super storm
Genre Article
Author(s) U. Ahmad, Waqar Younas, M. Khan, M. M. Abbasi
Abstract We present an analysis of the super storm event that occurred on 10–11 May, 2024, focusing on ionospheric and magnetic signatures across different longitudinal sectors using space‐borne and ground‐based data. On 10 May, a strong positive ionospheric storm was observed in the southern hemisphere (winter), while northern hemisphere (summer) experienced negative storm effects. The most pronounced positive storm effects emerged in the American‐Pacific sector during local evening hours, followed by Asia and Africa on 11 May. A significant drop in the ratio was observed in the northern hemisphere, which likely contributed to the negative ionospheric storm. This depletion appears to be driven by strong thermospheric winds induced by the increase auroral electrojet currents, as indicated by the SME index. The SWARM satellite data revealed numerous plasma bubbles, predominantly at equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crests, with some extending up to latitude. Our analysis suggests that equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) following the initial phase of the storm were enhanced by prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) and strong electrojet currents, while those in recovery phase were primarily driven by disturbance dynamo electric fields (DDEFs). Additionally, in the America and Africa regions, the magnitude of was higher than in the Asia and Pacific sectors, indicating strong neutral winds that contribute to the decrease in ratio. Conversely, exhibited an inverse relation with , reflecting enhanced solar wind‐magnetosphere coupling. This highlights the asymmetric response of different longitudinal regions during this super storm.
Publication Title Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Publication Date Jul 1, 2025
Publisher's Version of Record https://doi.org/10.1029/2025JA033981
OpenSky Citable URL https://n2t.net/ark:/85065/d7br8xm3
OpenSky Listing View on OpenSky
CPAESS Affiliations UCP, SPS

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