On the Role of Physical Processes in Controlling Equatorial Plasma Bubble Morphology

• Published in: Journal of geophysical research. Space physics 2024-09, Vol.129 (9), p.n/a
• Main Authors: Picanço, G. A. S., Denardini, C. M., Nogueira, P. A. B., Fagundes, P. R., Meza, A. M., Mendoza, L. P. O., Pádua, M. B., Natali, M. P., Resende, L. C. A., Vital, L. F. R.
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Data analysis; Declination; DIX; EPBs; Global navigation satellite system; GNSS; Ionosphere; Magnetic disturbances; Magnetic flux; Morphology; Navigation satellites; Navigation systems; Plasma; Plasma bubbles; Plasma drift; Radiation measurement; Satellites; Solar cycle; Solar flux; Solar radiation; Vertical drift
• ISSN: 2169-9380; 2169-9402
• DOI: 10.1029/2024JA032756

In this study, we present the results of an analysis of the morphological features of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) over South America. In this context, we analyzed data from the Disturbance Ionosphere indeX (DIX) maps calculated using around 450 Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) stations. To mitigate the influence of magnetic disturbances on bubble development, only data from geomagnetically quiet days were utilized. This study covered the period from the post‐peak of solar cycle 24 (2015) to the pre‐peak of solar cycle 25 (2023), totaling 1321 nights with EPB occurrences, representing the largest data set of EPBs ever compiled for South America. Our analysis unveiled several key findings regarding EPBs and their behavior over the South American region. First, we observed that the amplitude of plasma depletions, as reflected in the DIX values, and the EPB latitudinal development follow an approximately 11‐year cycle driven by solar radiation levels. Furthermore, our analysis highlights the significant influence of factors such as the angle between the solar terminator and the magnetic meridian (T‐M angle), which varies inversely with the vertical plasma drift velocity during the pre‐reversal enhancement (PRE). Additionally, we discuss the longitudinal variations associated with magnetic declination, as well as the saturation behavior of EPB development with extreme solar flux. Key Points EPBs exhibit a cycle linked with solar flux, impacting depletion amplitudes and latitudinal development according to magnetic declination During geomagnetically quiet periods, EPB development saturates with high solar flux values Significant longitudinal variations in EPB development can be primarily attributed to the influence of the South America Magnetic Anomaly