by Prajakta Chougule, Sugumar Iswariya, Siva Sai Kumar Rajana, Dadaso Shetti, Susmita Chougule, Chiranjeevi G. Vivek, J. R. K. Kumar Dabbakuti, Ajeet K. Maurya,Sudipta Sasmal, and Sampad Kumar Panda

This study investigates the temporal and latitudinal variability of the ionosphere over the Indian longitude region during the intense geomagnetic storm from 1 to 3 June 2025, using GNSS receiver observations and magnetometer recordings, along with space-based measurements from in situ Swarm satellite, COSMIC-2 radio occultation, GUVI/TIMED-derived O/N2 ratios, and model-derived electric fields. This particular event is relatively new and is characterized by the bifurcated variation with two distinct main phases separated by a short-lived recovery phase. The results revealed distinct features associated with the geomagnetic storm, including positive and negative ionospheric phases, thermospheric compositional changes, and the latitudinal propagation of disturbances. On 1 June, the observed strong positive ionospheric storm was driven by Prompt Penetration Electric Fields (PPEFs) and equatorward neutral winds, which triggered the upliftment of F-region plasma to higher altitudes through the enhanced equatorial fountain effect, leading to an unusually long-lasting Total Electron Content (TEC) enhancement from day to night. The analysis also revealed the distinct latitudinal behaviour, exhibiting the clear poleward extension of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) crest and significant TEC enhancements (~150–200% of the quiet day values) from low to mid latitudes as compared to the equatorial location through an efficient plasma redistribution. Conversely, pronounced negative ionospheric storm effect at almost all latitudinal locations on 2 June confirms complex and unusual storm-time dynamics, with inhibited upward plasma drifts due to the presence of Disturbance Dynamo Electric Fields (DDEFs), while the thermospheric O/N2 ratio caused an extensive decrease in electron density over the Indian region. Minor negative storm noticed on 3 June coincides with the storm recovery period, reflecting prolonged disturbance dynamo effects and gradual recovery in thermospheric conditions. Overall, the current study highlights the strong sensitivity of the regional ionosphere to prevailing coupled electrodynamic-thermospheric forcing during the June 2025 geomagnetic storm that has not yet been reported for this event over the Indian longitude sector. Moreover, the findings from this study underscore peculiar storm-time behaviour of summer solstice ionosphere over the Indian longitude sector, driven by complex coupled processes which could be incorporated into ionospheric models and forecasting frameworks.
Source: https://doi.org/10.3390/atmos17020189