The Characteristic Variations of the Eastward Drift Velocities of the Equatorial Plasma Bubbles in East Asia during High Solar Activity Period.

Abstract

From January 1988 to December 1990, ionospheric total electron content depletions associated with amplitude scintillations observed simultaneously at two equatorial anomaly stations (Kaohsiung and Chihpen) have been used to investigate the eastward drift velocities of the equatorial plasma bubbles in East Asian region. It is found that there are considerable large variability of eastward drift velocities. The nocturnal variation pattern shows a tendency for the eastward drift velocities to decrease from early evening to presunrise hours. Seasonal variations show large eastward drift velocities in summer than in equinox. During midnight and postmidnight periods, eastward drift velocities decrease slightly with the increasing of magnetic activity.