Modeling the response of the ionosphere to solar flares due to coupling with the 
thermosphere 
David J. Pawlowski and Aaron J. Ridley 
 
The excess energy deposited into the atmosphere during a solar flare has a 
substantial affect on the neutral gas.  Not only is there a significant 
perturbation on the dayside, but gravity waves are launched which can propagate 
to and affect the nightside.    The ionospheric signatures of these waves and 
global disturbances are investigated using the Global Ionosphere Thermosphere 
Model (GITM)  Specifically, perturbations in TEC and the lifetimes associated 
with the disturbances will be discussed.