GFZ German research centre for geo sciences

The ionosphere is the ionised part of the upper atmosphere, which builds up through absorption of solar electromagnetic and particle radiation. Electric currents in the ionosphere produce signatures in the Earth’s magnetic field, which are particularly strong during geomagnetic storms. We investigate ground- and satellite-based geomagnetic observations combined with data from other atmospheric and plasma parameters, to describe the dynamics of the ionosphere and upper atmosphere. Of particular importance for our studies have been the CHAMP and Swarm satellite missions.

Beside its scientific challenge, the understanding upper atmosphere processes is especially critical for quantifying effects of space weather on modern technology that our society increasingly depends on.

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