Modeling of the ionospheric and thermospheric effects caused by the vertical electric currents flowing across the ionosphere lower boundary

We have calculated the ionosphere and thermosphere disturbances caused by the vertical electric currents flowing across the lower boundary of the ionosphere from the below lying atmosphere. The global numerical Upper Atmosphere Model (UAM) has been used for the calculations with the vertical electric currents at its lower boundary (80 km) as a model input for the electric potential equation. Different locations, spatial configurations and intensities of the vertical electric currents have been investigated. Their physical nature has been discussed in relation with the mesoscale disturbances of the Global Electric Circuit, such as thunderstorm activity, typhoons, sandstorms, volcano eruptions, earthquakes, anthropogenic pollutions, etc.