Impact of severe geomagnetic storm on atmospheric electric field over the Arctic region during May 2024

Abstract

During May 10–11, 2024, a series of intense solar eruptions caused one of the most significant geomagnetic storms in recent history. This study investigates the impact of this severe Geomagnetic storm on temporal variations in the atmospheric electric field over the Arctic region. The Electric field measurements were obtained at Ny-Å lesund (78.9°N, 11.9°E), Norway in the Arctic Circle. The study reveals a complex interaction between space weather, ionosphere and atmospheric electricity through three key processes: forbush decrease (FD), ground-level enhancement (GLE) and Dawn–Dusk potential. A decrease in the vertical atmospheric electric field (Ez) during a FD was observed. This may be due to the decrease in current density (jz) along-side less ionization by reduced cosmic rays into the Earth’s atmosphere during the shock and complex ejecta associated with the storm. In contrast, GLE event were recorded during the storm’s recovery phase, leading to an increase in Ez. Additionally, the downward mapping of horizontal electric fields significantly contributes to variations in Ez. © 2026 Elsevier Ltd.