The influence of IMF on the lower ionosphere plasma in high and middle latitudes

As shown by ground-based absorption measurements, the lower ionospheric plasma is markedly controlled by the structure of the IMF. Whereas in high auroral and subauroral latitudes this effect is very pronounced, in midlatitudes its influence is less important. A comparison of these results with satellite data of the IMF and the solar wind speed confirms the important role of these components, not only during special events but also for the normal state of the ionospheric D region plasma