STATISTICAL STUDY OF FIELD-ALIGNED CURRENTS AND THEIR VARIABILITY WITH SOLAR ACTIVITY

Abstract

Field-Aligned Currents (FACs) are crucial in the electrodynamic coupling between the Earth's magnetosphere and ionosphere. This study presents a comprehensive statistical analysis of FACs using satellite observations over a 20-year period (2000–2020), correlating their variability with different phases of solar activity. We utilized data from the CHAMP and Swarm missions, complemented with solar indices such as F10.7 and sunspot numbers. Our results show a significant enhancement in FAC intensity during solar maximum periods and a latitudinal shift in peak FAC activity. Variability trends also exhibit hemispheric asymmetries and seasonal modulations. The study offers insights for improved space weather modeling and prediction capabilities in low- and mid-latitude regions, including Pakistan.