Preprints
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-114
https://doi.org/10.5194/egusphere-2025-114
31 Jan 2025
 | 31 Jan 2025
Status: this preprint is open for discussion and under review for Annales Geophysicae (ANGEO).

Distinct ionospheric long-term trends in Antarctica due to the Weddell Sea Anomaly

Marayén Canales, Trinidad Duran, Manuel Bravo, Andriy Zalizovski, and Alberto Foppiano

Abstract. The Weddell Sea Anomaly (WSA), a summer ionospheric anomaly over the eastern Antarctic Peninsula, was first observed in 1958 and is characterized by a nighttime peak in electron concentration, unlike the typical daytime peak. There are some works that examine long-term trends at ionospheric stations in the WSA region but they do not do a seasonal-diurnal analysis that is vital for differentiating the periods of the anomaly. This study investigates the seasonal-diurnal variation of the long-term trend in the F2 layer critical frequency (foF2) at ionospheric stations located within the WSA region: Vernadsky (Argentine Island; 65.1° S, 64.2° W) and Port Stanley (51.6° S, 57.9° W), both with long-term foF2 data. Data from Vernadsky (1960–2023) and Port Stanley (1960–2019) were analyzed alongside data from Syowa (69.0° S; 39.6° E) and Mawson (67.6° S; 62.9° E), two stations outside the WSA influence. The analysis reveals distinct seasonal and diurnal trends. For Vernadsky, negative foF2 trends (-0.02 MHz/year) are observed during summer nights, coinciding with the WSA's presence. Port Stanley shows similar trends but with a secondary nighttime maximum. The WSA's influence on Vernadsky is more pronounced, with Port Stanley exhibiting a weaker, mid-latitude summer evening anomaly. In contrast, Syowa and Mawson show different trends, with Syowa without a clear trend pattern, and Mawson showing negative trends throughout the year. The study concludes that the WSA significantly affects Vernadsky and, to a lesser extent, Port Stanley. The findings highlight regional variations in ionospheric behavior and contribute to the ongoing discussion on global ionospheric trends, suggesting that local phenomena like the WSA can modulate these trends.

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Marayén Canales, Trinidad Duran, Manuel Bravo, Andriy Zalizovski, and Alberto Foppiano

Status: open (until 14 Mar 2025)

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Marayén Canales, Trinidad Duran, Manuel Bravo, Andriy Zalizovski, and Alberto Foppiano
Marayén Canales, Trinidad Duran, Manuel Bravo, Andriy Zalizovski, and Alberto Foppiano

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Short summary
This study investigates an ionospheric anomaly in Antarctica that affects electron concentration during summer. We analyse data from four stations, revealing different trends depending on the season and time of day. Vernadsky shows a strong influence of the anomaly, while Port Stanley is less affected and other stations do not show a clear pattern. These results highlight how local phenomena can modify global trends, providing new information about the Earth's space environment.
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