Solar Activity Effects on the Near‐Earth Space Regions During the Descending Phase of Solar Cycle 24

The solar cycle includes multi‐scale variations in the near‐Earth space regions including plasmasphere, inner radiation belt (IRB), ionosphere, mesosphere and lower thermosphere (MLT). We present a thorough analysis of the extent of solar cycle effect on those four regions by using mesospheric and thermospheric geopotential height and temperature from SABER on TIMED, ionospheric hmF2 from Chinese Meridian Project, high‐energy protons in IRB and electron density in plasmasphere from Van Allen Probes within 2013–2018 intervals. By analyzing evolutions of these quantities, we find that entire IRB, ionosphere and MLT region shrink at solar minimum and stretch at solar maximum by ∼103, 50–102, and 1 km scales, respectively, while plasmapause shows an opposite trend. Fourier spectra of these quantities have been investigated by Lomb–Scargle periodogram. The mid‐term periodic oscillations (13.5‐day, 45‐day, and 52‐day) have been observed in MLT region, matching well with plasmapause locations and geomagnetic indices, which have not been observed in solar EUV radiation and IRB. This may indicate that those oscillations facilitate energy exchange and mass transportation between MLT region and plasmasphere due to magnetic storms and substorms. The oscillation periods of higher energy (102.6 MeV) in IRB have not been observed in MLT region except for annual variations. The impact of higher energy protons on MLT regions may not be significant, although they could penetrate deeper into MLT region. Our results reveal relationships between some quantities and solar cycle multi‐scale modulation, which may provide assistance and monitors for mass transportation in the near‐Earth space regions. Key Points Inner radiation belt, ionosphere, MLT region shrink at solar minimum and stretch at solar maximum, while plasmapause shows an opposite trend Long‐term and mid‐term oscillations are considered as monitors of energy exchange and mass transport in the near‐Earth space regions The entire inner radiation belt, ionosphere and mesosphere/thermosphere shrink on about 103, 50–102, and 1 km scales, respectively