The Ionospheric Total Electron Content Response to the 17TH -18TH March 2015 Geomagnetic Strom Over the Arctic Region

Abstract

The commencement of the "St. Patrick's day geomagnetic storm" on March 17th, 2015 led to multiple fluctuations in electron density within the ionosphere, resulting in significant disruptions in Total Electron Content at high latitudes in the northern hemisphere. Through the utilization of ground-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers, we examined the ionospheric reaction to the primary phase of the most severe storm in the current solar cycle, focusing on the Total Electron Content observed in the Arctic regions. This research delves into the ionospheric behavior during the geomagnetic storm that occurred on March 17-18, 2015, which stood out as the most intense event in the 24th solar cycle. Total Electron Content data was gathered from three stations - Cambridge Bay (69.101929 N, 254.884829 E), Eureka (79.990089 N, 274.097557 E), and Rabbit Lake (58.226935 N, 256.322945 E) - utilizing Global Positioning System (GPS) receivers from the Canadian High Arctic Ionospheric Network (CHAIN). Our analysis revealed a notably lower TEC reading in Cambridge Bay compared to Eureka and Rabbit Lake during the storm period.