The Earth's ionosphere is a complex dynamic interface between the outer plasma space and the neutral atmosphere. It is therefore influenced by processes above it, such as changes in ionizing solar radiation and geomagnetic activity due to the coupling between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere, and by the neutral atmosphere with which it partially merges. Atmospheric waves, such as acoustic-gravity waves, transfer energy and momentum between different layers of the atmosphere up to the ionosphere and change the properties of the region in which they dissipate. The dynamics of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere is also affected by neutral winds, tides, and chemical composition. Research into ionospheric changes at different spatial and temporal scales and coupling from below and above may also find practical applications, as the ionosphere influences propagation of electromagnetic waves, including signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System and over the horizon radars.
Ionospheric dynamics and variations, especially on short timescales, are still difficult to predict and model. Studies are needed to better understand the mechanical, electrodynamic and chemical processes that control the coupling between the neutral atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere. Examples of such studies are: (i) Analysis of vertical coupling from below caused by atmospheric waves (acoustic-gravity waves, tides, planetary waves), including identification of wave sources, analysis of wave propagation, dissipation, and wave-wave interactions. (ii) Investigation of the relationships between the solar wind, ionospheric and magnetospheric currents, geomagnetic field variations, and traveling ionospheric disturbances generated during enhanced geomagnetic activity. (iii) Changes in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere due to high-energy particle precipitation, including auroral phenomena, wave-particle interactions, and chemical reactions (iv) Electromagnetic coupling due to thunderstorm activity and electromagnetic fields induced by magnetospheric and ionospheric interactions with the solar wind.
In this Research Topic we welcome contributions on the following topics:
· Experimental measurements and observations of the ionosphere using ground-based remote sensing techniques (vertical ionospheric sounders, air glow cameras, Global Navigation Satellite System receivers, continuous Doppler sounding, radars, etc. )
· Ground-based electric and magnetic field measurements,
· Tropospheric and stratospheric wind measurements,
· Temperature and pressure fluctuations,
· Rocket and balloon soundings,
· Satellite measurements (in-situ measurements of ion and electron temperature, plasma density and ion composition, magnetic and electric field measurements, radio occultation methods, top soundings, optical and radar measurements, measurements of satellite drag etc.),
· Advanced data analysis and numerical modelling, including applications of machine and deep learning,
· Comparison of measurements with experimental models and reanalyzes,
· Theoretical studies of coupling processes in the atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system and of ionospheric irregularities and variations.
We welcome a range of article types, including Original Research and Reviews.
The Earth's ionosphere is a complex dynamic interface between the outer plasma space and the neutral atmosphere. It is therefore influenced by processes above it, such as changes in ionizing solar radiation and geomagnetic activity due to the coupling between the solar wind and the Earth’s magnetosphere, and by the neutral atmosphere with which it partially merges. Atmospheric waves, such as acoustic-gravity waves, transfer energy and momentum between different layers of the atmosphere up to the ionosphere and change the properties of the region in which they dissipate. The dynamics of the upper atmosphere and ionosphere is also affected by neutral winds, tides, and chemical composition. Research into ionospheric changes at different spatial and temporal scales and coupling from below and above may also find practical applications, as the ionosphere influences propagation of electromagnetic waves, including signals from the Global Navigation Satellite System and over the horizon radars.
Ionospheric dynamics and variations, especially on short timescales, are still difficult to predict and model. Studies are needed to better understand the mechanical, electrodynamic and chemical processes that control the coupling between the neutral atmosphere, ionosphere and magnetosphere. Examples of such studies are: (i) Analysis of vertical coupling from below caused by atmospheric waves (acoustic-gravity waves, tides, planetary waves), including identification of wave sources, analysis of wave propagation, dissipation, and wave-wave interactions. (ii) Investigation of the relationships between the solar wind, ionospheric and magnetospheric currents, geomagnetic field variations, and traveling ionospheric disturbances generated during enhanced geomagnetic activity. (iii) Changes in the upper atmosphere and ionosphere due to high-energy particle precipitation, including auroral phenomena, wave-particle interactions, and chemical reactions (iv) Electromagnetic coupling due to thunderstorm activity and electromagnetic fields induced by magnetospheric and ionospheric interactions with the solar wind.
In this Research Topic we welcome contributions on the following topics:
· Experimental measurements and observations of the ionosphere using ground-based remote sensing techniques (vertical ionospheric sounders, air glow cameras, Global Navigation Satellite System receivers, continuous Doppler sounding, radars, etc. )
· Ground-based electric and magnetic field measurements,
· Tropospheric and stratospheric wind measurements,
· Temperature and pressure fluctuations,
· Rocket and balloon soundings,
· Satellite measurements (in-situ measurements of ion and electron temperature, plasma density and ion composition, magnetic and electric field measurements, radio occultation methods, top soundings, optical and radar measurements, measurements of satellite drag etc.),
· Advanced data analysis and numerical modelling, including applications of machine and deep learning,
· Comparison of measurements with experimental models and reanalyzes,
· Theoretical studies of coupling processes in the atmosphere-ionosphere-magnetosphere system and of ionospheric irregularities and variations.
We welcome a range of article types, including Original Research and Reviews.
