Modeling of equatorial plasma bubbles triggered by non-equatorial traveling ionospheric disturbances

• Published in: Geophysical research letters Vol. 38; no. 8; pp. np - n/a
• Main Authors: Krall, J., Huba, J. D., Ossakow, S. L., Joyce, G., Makela, J. J., Miller, E. S., Kelley, M. C.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington, DC Blackwell Publishing Ltd 28.04.2011; American Geophysical Union; John Wiley & Sons, Inc
• Subjects: Atmospheric sciences; Bubbles; Conjugates; Earth sciences; Earth, ocean, space; Electric fields; equatorial spread-F; Exact sciences and technology; Geomagnetic field; Geomagnetic fields; Ionosphere; Joining; Naval; Plasma bubbles; Three dimensional; Traveling ionospheric disturbances; wavelength; Mid latitude; Plasma density depression; Traveling ionospheric disturbance; geomagnetic field; ionosphere; Travelling wave; Modeling; lead; Sunset; coupling; Mesoscale; three-dimensional models; growth; Triggering
• ISSN: 0094-8276; 1944-8007
• DOI: 10.1029/2011GL046890

The Naval Research Laboratory three‐dimensional simulation code SAMI3/ESF is used to study the response of the post‐sunset ionosphere to electrified mesoscale traveling ionospheric disturbances (MSTIDs). An MSTID is modeled as an externally‐imposed traveling‐wave E field with wavelength 250 km and period 1 h that drives vertical E × B drifts of up to ±50 m/s. We find that the coupling between the MSTID at low‐ to mid‐latitudes and the equatorial F layer leads to growth of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). This coupling is strongest when the wave vector is perpendicular to the geomagnetic field. Model results reproduce key features of observed nighttime MSTIDs and associated EPBs. Key Points Electrified MSTIDs “map“ along field lines to affect the conjugate ionosphere A midlatitude MSTID can couple to the equatorial F layer, producing ESF bubbles Coupling is strong if the wave vector is perpendicular to the geomagnetic field