Relationship between plasma bubble and ionospheric current, equatorial electrojet, and equatorial counter electrojet

Abstract

In recent years, it has been clarified from previous studies that plasma bubbles and equatorial electrojets (EEJs) are related. In general, EEJs are calculated by subtracting the magnetic field H component of the magnetic equator from that at low latitude. However, in this study, EE-index data at Langkawi (magnetic equator), which includes all local current systems, were used for the analysis during the period from January 1, 2011, to November 8, 2014. By using the EE-index, it was found that plasma bubbles tend to occur for larger EEJ strengths. This result differs from the previous studies. In addition, if an equatorial counter electrojet (CEJ) occurs, it is understood that plasma bubbles will rarely occur due to the westward current; however, we found that when the lunar tidal effect is strong, plasma bubbles can occur even in conjunction with CEJs. Finally, we want to find the relationship between plasma bubbles and ionospheric current to predict them.