IMPACT OF SPACE WEATHER EVENTS ON THE IONOSPHERIC PROPAGATION FACTOR M(3000)F2

This study investigates the effects of geomagnetic storms on the ionospheric propagation factor M(3000) using historical space weather data and ionosonde measurements. The ionosphere plays a critical role in radio signal transmission and satellite communication, and M(3000), which represents the maximum usable frequency for a 3000 km transmission path, is a key parameter for assessing propagation quality. Geomagnetic storms, driven by interactions between solar wind and Earth's magnetic field, are known to alter ionospheric electron density and composition, thereby influencing the refractive index of the ionosphere and causing significant variability in M(3000). Despite considerable research on space weather and ionospheric dynamics, the correlation between geomagnetic storm intensity and M(3000) variability remains poorly quantified, posing challenges for the development of accurate forecasting models. This research seeks to address that gap by characterizing the behavior of M(3000) under quiet geomagnetic conditions, evaluating the effect of geomagnetic storms on M(3000), and examining the relationship between M(3000) and relevant geomagnetic indices, including Kp, Dst, and BZ(GSE). A statistical methodology is applied to historical datasets to quantify the graphical relationship between storm intensity and M(3000) fluctuations. The study is limited to a selected region and does not extend to other space weather phenomena such as solar flares, focusing instead specifically on geomagnetic storm effects. Findings from this research are expected to enhance understanding of the physical mechanisms linking geomagnetic activity to ionospheric propagation behavior, and to support the development of more reliable forecasting tools for communication and navigation systems. Ultimately, the study contributes to the broader field of space physics by improving knowledge of the complex interactions among the solar wind, Earth's magnetic field, and the ionosphere.