A numerical study of noontime bite-outs in F2-region electron density

Abstract

Noontime bite-outs in ionospheric F2-region electron density in the geomagnetic equatorial, low, and middle latitudes have been reproduced in this study using the Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model (TIEGCM). The different driving mechanisms of F2-region noontime bite-outs at different latitudes were further verified by modeling simulation. In the geomagnetic equator, the upward ExB plasma drifts are the main process to produce the noontime bite-outs in ionospheric electron density. In the geomagnetic low latitudes, both the electrical fields and poleward meridional winds play a crucial role in forming the noontime bite-outs. In contrast to the case at the geomagnetic equator, a weaker fountain effect might be an favorable condition for the noontime bite-outs to occur at low latitudes. For geomagnetic middle latitudes, an upward plasma flux and poleward meridional winds are the dominated drivers in producing the noontime bite-outs. Modeling results show that a large upward plasma flux and poleward meridional winds make the noontime bite-outs to occur and observable over middle latitudes.