Plasma irregularities in the ionosphere and plasmasphere can adversely affect space-based communication and navigation systems. Even with research for over 50 years to understand the generation mechanism(s) of these irregularities, uncertainties remain. Plasma irregularities often occur in the postsunset, ionosphere equatorial F region broadening in altitude over tens of kilometers due to formation of ‘electron clouds with scale sizes of 30 meters’ – equatorial spread F (ESF). Subsequent observational data find ESF to be a complex phenomenon that involves a wide range of spatial and temporal scales: from 10s km to 10s cm and from 10s min to 10s msec producing large-scale electron density ‘bubbles’ or ‘plumes’ that develop in nighttime equatorial ionosphere. We will use the firstprinciples whole atmosphere models WACCM-X and HIAMCM coupled to the ionosphere/plasmasphere model SAMI3 to investigate the onset and evolution of equatorial spread F on a global scale. The earth’s plasmasphere is a cold, relatively dense plasma on closed magnetic field lines extending from ~ 1000 km to several earth radii. Although this region has often been considered to be quiescent, observations suggest that it is often times structured with plasma ducts. The underlying mechanism(s) to generate these ducts is unclear. Again, we will use WACCM-X and HIAMCM coupled SAMI3 to investigate the development of plasmasphere ducts and longitudinal corrugations in the plasmasphere density.

Co-sponsored by: MIPSE and SEM NPSS

Speaker(s): Dr. Joseph Huba,

Bldg: 1311 EECS, 1301 Beal Ave, Ann Arbor, Michigan, United States, 48109, Virtual: https://events.vtools.ieee.org/m/301591