Statistical Characteristics of Total Electron Content Intensifications on Global Ionospheric Maps

Global ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) maps are featured with TEC intensifications and depletions of various sizes and intensities. Characterizing key features on TEC maps and understanding their dynamic coupling with external drivers can significantly benefit space weather forecasting. However, comprehensive analysis of ionospheric structuring over decades of TEC maps is currently lacking due to large data volume. We develop a software tool based on image processing techniques to extract TEC intensification regions from global TEC maps. Applying the tool to JPL Global Ionospheric Maps of 1 degree by 1 degree grid resolution from years 2003 to 2022, we are able to statistically describe the occurrence and characteristics of large-scale TEC intensifications. In this poster, we report the variability of the number and strength of the TEC intensifications with seasons, solar irradiance, and geomagnetic conditions.