A New Method to Correlate a Possible Coupling between the Upper and the Lower Atmosphere

Abstract

Problem statement: Sun-earth coupling studies are one of the methods of projection to explain certain physical mechanisms of how solar activity can influence weather/climate changes. Approach: To gain insight of the above challenge, analysis of propagation delays in GPS-transmitted signals in the upper and lower atmosphere during transient events associated with intense geomagnetic storms was conducted within the Antarctic polar cap. Results: An increase in Total Electron Content (TEC) indicates an increase in the density of energetic particles in the atmosphere and major changes in the signals would affect the water vapor phase transition in the troposphere. Conclusion/Recommendations: From the correlation between the ionospheric TEC and atmospheric Precipitable Water Vapor (PWV) variations, the Global Electric Circuit (GEC) is identified as a possible physical mechanism for the coupling process.