The importance of ionospheric research is increasing alongside the development of modern terrestrial and space-based technologies, given that the ionosphere reflects and modifies the radio waves used for communication and navigation. Understanding coupling processes is crucial to understanding ionospheric dynamics and variability. The ionosphere is influenced by various solar and magnetospheric processes from above. The strongest of these are well-developed magnetic storms. These are both ICME- and CIR/HSS-related. However, many other drivers remain poorly understood. Conversely, the ionosphere is primarily forced from below by atmospheric waves, such as planetary, tidal, and acoustic-gravity waves. This symposium invites observational, simulation and modelling studies addressing ionospheric dynamics, with a particular focus on magnetospheric and lower atmospheric forcing and the associated feedback on ionospheric variability.
We particularly welcome new results focusing on the latitudinal, seasonal and hemispherical effects of magnetic storms and substorms on the ionosphere. Regarding atmospheric forcing, contributions focusing on atmospheric waves, wave-wave interactions, wave-mean flow interactions, atmospheric electricity and electrodynamic coupling processes are sought. Contributions examining ionospheric effects caused by other phenomena, such as the solar terminator, solar eclipses, seismic activity, or human-made explosions, are also welcome. This session invites contributions on the use of AI as a tool for searching for, processing and analysing ionospheric measurements, as well as for validating and refining ionospheric models. Therefore, knowledge of how to use AI as a tool in ionosphere research is highly desirable.