Abstract
This paper presents for the first time a study of HINOTORI satellite measurements of electron density and electron temperature in the topside ionosphere exclusively for magnetic storm departures. Special focus was given to the major storm of 1 March, 1982. While large enhancements in Te characterize the day time storm response, marked increases in Ne dominate the night time deviations. The night time Ne enhancements which are rather remarkable during 0000-0400 LT are also found to be accompanied by significant Te increases, by as much as 300 K. The statistical picture that emerges from the study of a large number of storms suggests significant nocturnal Te enhancements which correlate with the magnitudes of storm intensities. Ring current particles through charge exchange processes seem to be a major source of heat input to thermal electrons, though other sources may also be important.
