The occurrence of polar cap patches in TEC fluctuations detected using GPS measurements in southern hemisphere Original Research Article

GPS technique is widely used to study the global structure and dynamics of the ionosphere. This paper presents data on the occurrence of large-scale ionospheric irregularities observed at Antarctic stations McMurdo-MCM4 (−78N, 167E, Φ = 80°), Casey-CAS1 (−66N, 110E, Φ = 80°), Mawson-MAW1 (−68N, 63E, Φ = 71°), and Davis-DAV1 (−69N, 78E, Φ = 75°) in 2001. The irregularities caused strong Total Electron Content fluctuations. The intensity of TEC fluctuations was estimated with the ROT parameter and rate of TEC index (ROTI) expressed in TECU/min. Storm-time development of TEC fluctuations are presented for two geomagnetic active periods: June and September 2001. Data on temporal variations in TEC along individual satellites passes were also analyzed. Polar patches were associated with deep TEC fluctuations as the TEC enhancements were 2–10 times larger than the background, whereas the TEC increased by 10–50 TECU in about 5–10 min. The duration of such structures is 10–20 min. At 4–5 h interval, 3–5 strong and some weak patches were detected. The activity of patches depends to a low degree only on the magnetic activity index Kp. The intensity of TEC fluctuations increases during substorm activity. Diurnal, seasonal dependence, and longitudinal features of the occurrence of polar patches are also presented in the report.