On the Seeding of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles by Longitudinal Variations in the Meridional Wind
Abstract
Abstract We report results from SAMI3/WACCM‐X simulations that small‐scale (few 100 km) longitudinal variations in the meridional wind provide seeds to initiate equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). The meridional wind variations generate variations in the ion density along the magnetic field via ion‐neutral collisions. This in turn leads to longitudinal variations in the Pedersen conductivity and conductance producing localized E B drifts that can initiate EPBs. The spatial dependence of the meridional wind variations can also determine the longitudinal spacing of EPBs.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
Solar and Space Plasma Dynamics
Magnetic confinement fusion research
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Geophysical Research Letters
- Publisher
- American Geophysical Union (AGU)
- Volume
- 53
- Issue
- 2
- Publication date
- 24 January 2026
- Language
- EN