Satellite in situ electron density observations of the midlatitude storm enhanced density on the noon meridional plane in the F region during the 20 November 2003 magnetic storm

The midlatitude electron density increased to a maximum at the end of the growth phase. Afterward, the dayside SED region retreated gradually to lower magnetic latitudes. The observations showed a hemisphere asymmetry, with the NH electron density exhibiting a more significant enhancement.

The simulations using the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation model show a good agreement with the CHAMP observations. The simulations indicate that the dayside midlatitude electron density enhancement has a complicated dependence on vertical ion drift, neutral wind, magnetic latitude, MLT, and the height of the F2 layer. Finally, we discuss the notion of using the mean cross-polar cap electric field as a proxy for assessing the effects of solar wind drivers on producing midlatitude electron density enhancement.