Vertical Drift Research Articles

Thermosphere UFKW Structures and Ionosphere Coupling as Observed by ICON

AbstractTwo ∼2‐week Ultra‐Fast Kelvin Wave (UFKW) events centered on days 158(203) during 2021 are investigated using winds, temperatures, plasma drifts and electron densities (Ne) measured by the Ionospheric CONnections (ICON) mission. Eastward‐propagating longitudinal wave‐1 (s = −1) structures with periods 2.5–4.0d, thought to mainly reflect Ultra‐Fast Kelvin waves (UFKWs), reveal ±45 ms−1 zonal winds (U) at 100 km for both events. Height‐latitude structures of the 3.0(3.5)d‐period UFKWs are obtained for the first time for both temperature (T, 94–120 km) and U (94–280 km) between 12°S and 39°N latitude. Maximum values of 36(29) ms−1 for U and 12(15)K for T occur at 102(106) km altitude and within ±3° latitude. The U‐T peak height displacement remains unexplained. Vertical wavelengths are in the range 36–43 km for both U and T during both events. Concurrent with the E‐region dynamo winds, topside (580 km) F‐region field‐aligned (±20–40 ms−1), meridional (±5–10 ms−1) and vertical (±5–10 ms−1) drift and Ne (±20–40%) 2.5–4.0d s = −1 variations are also measured. These key elements of atmosphere‐ionosphere (A‐I) coupling, contemporaneously measured for the first time, are relevant to testing the internal consistency of A‐I models. The mean wind propagation environment of the UFKWs is also quantified, showing no appreciable effects on the UFKW structures, consistent with modeling and theory.

The Day‐To‐Day Variability of the Dayside Equatorial Ionospheric Plasma Drifts and Neutral Winds Observed by ICON

AbstractIn this study, we utilize ICON observations from 2019 to 2022 to analyze the variability of vertical plasma drift and its relationship with the neutral winds. The results reveal that there are 19% of downward plasma drifts at 13–17 LT, which changes with seasons and longitudes. The downward plasma drift occurs less frequently compared to the contemporaneous counter electrojet during solstices. We identify the relationship between vertical plasma drifts and north foot magnetic zonal and meridional wind profiles at 90–300 km altitudes. As the vertical plasma drifts become small or downward, the zonal winds display diverse variations at the altitudes; that is, the disturbances are eastward at 95–120 km altitudes, westward at 120–160 km altitudes, and eastward above 180 km altitudes, while the meridional winds present weak changes in all altitudes. Additionally, we discuss the possible roles of the E‐ and F‐region dynamos on the vertical plasma drifts.

Impact of Atmospheric Compressibility and Stokes Drift on the Vertical Transport of Heat and Constituents by Gravity Waves

AbstractVertical transport of heat and atmospheric constituents by gravity waves plays a crucial role in shaping the thermal and constituent structure of the middle atmosphere. We show that atmospheric mixing by non‐breaking waves can be described as a diffusion process where the potential temperature (KH) and constituent (KWave) diffusivities depend on the compressibility of the wave fluctuations and the vertical Stokes drift imparted to the atmosphere by the wave spectrum. KH and KWave are typically much larger than the eddy diffusivity (Kzz), arising from the turbulence generated by breaking waves, and can exceed several hundred m2s−1 in regions of strong wave dissipation. We also show that the total diffusion of heat and constituents caused by waves, turbulence, and the thermal motion of molecules, is enhanced in the presence of non‐breaking waves by a factor that is proportional to the variance of the wave‐driven lapse rate fluctuations. Diffusion enhancements of both heat and constituents of 50% or more can be experienced in regions of low atmospheric stability, where the lapse rate fluctuations are large. These important transport effects are not currently included in most global chemistry‐climate models, which typically only consider the eddy diffusion that is induced when the unresolved, but parameterized waves, experience dissipation. We show that the theoretical results compare favorably with observations of the mesopause region at midlatitudes and describe how the theory may be used to more fully account for the unresolved wave transport in global models.

ZUST Campus: A Lightweight and Practical LiDAR SLAM Dataset for Autonomous Driving Scenarios

This research proposes a lightweight and applicable dataset with a precise elevation ground truth and extrinsic calibration toward the LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging) SLAM (Simultaneous Localization and Mapping) task in the field of autonomous driving. Our dataset focuses on more cost-effective platforms with limited computational power and low-resolution three-dimensional LiDAR sensors (16-beam LiDAR), and fills the gaps in the existing literature. Our data include abundant scenarios that include degenerated environments, dynamic objects, and large slope terrain to facilitate the investigation of the performance of the SLAM system. We provided the ground truth pose from RTK-GPS and carefully rectified its elevation errors, and designed an extra method to evaluate the vertical drift. The module for calibrating the LiDAR and IMU was also enhanced to ensure the precision of point cloud data. The reliability and applicability of the dataset are fully tested through a series of experiments using several state-of-the-art LiDAR SLAM methods.

Penetrating electric field during the Nov 3–4, 2021 geomagnetic storm

We simulated the Nov 3–4, 2021 geomagnetic storm event penetrating electric field using the Multiscale Atmosphere-Geospace Environment (MAGE) model and compared with the NASA ICON observation. The ICON observation showed sudden enhancement of the vertical ion drift when the penetrating electric field arrived at the equatorial region. The MAGE model simulated vertical ion drifts have the similarly fast enhancement that shown in the ICON data at the same UT time and satellite location. Hence, ICON ion drift data was able to verify MAGE simulation, which couples the magnetospheric model was able to simulate the penetrating electric field very well.

Day‐To‐Day Variability of the Neutral Wind Dynamo Observed by ICON: First Results From Conjugate Observations

AbstractFirst results are presented from the conjugate maneuvers performed by NASA's Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) spacecraft. During each several‐minute maneuver, ICON crosses the magnetic equator, measuring the plasma drift at the ∼600‐km apex of a magnetic field line and the neutral wind profiles (∼90–300 km altitude) along both ends of that field line. The analysis utilizes 149 pairs of maneuvers separated by ∼24 hr but at nearly the same location and local time. Principal component regression reveals that 39 ± 7% and 24 ± 9% of the day‐to‐day variance in the daytime vertical and zonal drift, respectively, is attributable to conjugate neutral winds. The remaining variance is likely driven by external potentials from non‐conjugate winds and geomagnetic activity (median Kp 2−). Zonal winds at 100–113 km and >120 km altitude are the primary drivers of conjugate vertical and zonal drift variance, respectively. These observations can test vertical‐coupling mechanisms in whole‐atmosphere models.

Feature of Diurnal Double Maxima in the Topside Ionosphere Observed by ICON

AbstractThis study investigates the diurnal variation of topside ionospheric plasma density using the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) observations from May to July in 2020 and 2021. The total ion density exhibits daytime double‐maxima (DDM) patterns, also known as “bite‐out” at magnetic latitudes from 10°S to 20°N and longitudes of 180°–276°E, but a single peak in other longitudes. The total ion density between 180° and 276°E reaches its first peak around 12 LT (Local Time) in both hemispheres and the second peak at 14–15 LT in the Northern Hemisphere, gradually shifting to around 16–17 LT in the Southern Hemisphere. The formation of the first peak is mainly influenced by vertical plasma drift, while the second peak is associated with both neutral wind and vertical plasma drift. Furthermore, this study provides direct observational evidence for the influence of neutral winds on the longitude and latitude differences of the topside DDM. Stronger southward magnetic meridional winds and vertical plasma drifts are observed at approximately 11–15 LT in the longitude sector with DDM compared to other longitudes, leading to a valley of ion density in the Southern Hemisphere around 15 LT. In the Northern Hemisphere, ion density continues to accumulate to form a second peak at 15 LT.

The ProtoDUNE Photon Detection System: technology validation and performance

DUNE is a long-baseline accelerator experiment currently in construction at Fermilab and SURF (South Dakota). The science objectives of DUNE include the search for CP violationin the leptonic sector and the identification of the neutrino mass hierarchy, along with theobservation of supernova neutrino bursts and proton decay.The Far Detector consists of four modules located deep underground, three of those instrumented with Liquid Argon TPCs and equipped with the DUNE Photon Detection System (PDS). The PDS is based on a novellight trapping technology that greatly enhances the DUNE physics reach,improving vertex identification, energy resolution and providing the trigger for non-beam events.Following a first run of data taking (from 2018 to 2020), the PDS of the two prototypes of the Far Detector located at CERN Neutrino Platform, ProtoDUNE-HD and ProtoDUNE-VD, is currently being reinstalled in order to implement the final design of the first (Horizontal Drift) and second (Vertical Drift) module.This paper presents the latest results of the PDS from test facilities and the status of the installation in ProtoDUNE in view of its second run. The most important achievements of the Vertical Drift PDS are reported, with emphasis on the new SiPM configuration and cold electronics, the custom WaveLength Shifting bars, and the latest generation of the dichroic filter designed for ProtoDUNE-VD.

Uncovering the Drivers of Responsive Ionospheric Dynamics to Severe Space Weather Conditions: A Coordinated Multi‐Instrumental Approach

AbstractSpace‐weather conditions can often have a detrimental impact on satellite communications and limited experimental data has made it challenging to understand the complex processes that occur in the upper atmosphere. To overcome this challenge, we utilized a coordinated multi‐instrumental dataset consisting of GNSS airglow remote sensing, ionosonde, magnetometer, and in‐situ satellite data to investigate plasma depletions. We present a case study focused on the geomagnetic storm that occurred on 27 February 2014. During the storm, GNSS positioning errors exceeded undisturbed levels by at least 2 times, and ionospheric corrections reached amplitudes of up to ±20 m at the Rabat station. We identified 3 large depletions that were most likely generated by sudden vertical ionospheric drifts that began at approximately 17:00 UTC at sunset in Morocco and the southern regions of Spain. These drifts reached ∼500 m/s and lasted until 22:00 UTC. The observed depletions propagated to the northeast, as seen through ionosonde echoes and ground‐based airglow images. Satellite limb‐images revealed an ionospheric uplift of about 100 km due to the storm, consistent with ionosondes in Spain. The observed local anomalies may be influenced by variations in equatorial electric current flows, which are correlated with fluctuations in ground‐based magnetometer data. These variations are likely a result of the effects of the inner radiation belt on the development of plasma bubbles in the African longitude sector. Sudden enhancements in upward E × B drift caused ionospheric uplift to higher altitudes, enhancing the “fountain effect” and shifting the Equatorial Ionospheric Anomaly crests to higher latitudes.

Multi-process driven unusually large equatorial perturbation electric fields during the April 2023 geomagnetic storm

The low latitude ionosphere and thermosphere are strongly disturbed during and shortly after geomagnetic storms. We use novel Jicamarca radar measurements, ACE satellite solar wind, and SuperMAG geomagnetic field observations to study the electrodynamic response of the equatorial ionosphere to the 23, 24 April 2023 geomagnetic storm. We also compare our data with results from previous experimental and modeling studies of equatorial storm-time electrodynamics. We show, for the first time, unusually large equatorial vertical and zonal plasma drift (zonal and meridional electric field) perturbations driven simultaneously by multi storm-time electric field mechanisms during both the storm main and recovery phases. These include daytime undershielding and overshielding prompt penetration electric fields driven by solar wind electric fields and dynamic pressure changes, substorms, as well as disturbance dynamo electric fields, which are not well reproduced by current empirical models. Our nighttime measurements, over an extended period of large and slowly decreasing southward IMF Bz, show very large, substorm-driven, vertical and zonal drift fluctuations superposed on large undershield driven upward and westward drifts up to about 01 LT, and the occurrence of equatorial spread F irregularities with very strong spatial and temporal structuring. These nighttime observations cannot be explained by present models of equatorial storm-time electrodynamics.

The influence of acute dopamine transporter inhibition on manic-, depressive-like phenotypes, and brain oxidative status in adult zebrafish

Functional changes in dopamine transporter (DAT) are related to various psychiatric conditions, including bipolar disorder (BD) symptoms. In experimental research, the inhibition of DAT induces behavioral alterations that recapitulate symptoms found in BD patients, including mania and depressive mood. Thus, developing novel animal models that mimic BD-related conditions by pharmacologically modulating the dopaminergic signaling is relevant. The zebrafish (Danio rerio) has been considered a suitable vertebrate system for modeling BD-like responses, due to the well-characterized behavioral responses and evolutionarily conservation of the dopaminergic system of this species. Here, we investigate whether GBR 12909, a selective inhibitor of DAT, causes neurobehavioral alterations in zebrafish similar to those observed in BD patients. Behaviors were recorded after a single intraperitoneal (i.p.) administration of GBR 12909 at different doses (3.75, 7.5, 15 and 30 mg/kg). To observe temporal effects on behavior, swim path parameters were measured immediately after the administration period during 30 min. Locomotion, anxiety-like behavior, social preference, aggression, despair-like behavior, and oxidative stress-related biomarkers in the brain were measured 30 min post administration. GBR 12909 induced prominent effects on locomotor activity and vertical exploration during the 30-min period. Hyperactivity was observed in GBR 30 group after 25 min, while all doses markedly reduced vertical drifts. GBR 12909 elicited hyperlocomotion, anxiety-like behavior, decreased social preference, aggression, and induced depressive-like behavior in a behavioral despair task. Depending on the dose, GBR 12909 also decreased SOD activity and TBARS levels, as well as increased GR activity and NPSH content. Collectively, our novel findings show that a single GBR 12909 administration evokes neurobehavioral changes that recapitulate manic- and depressive-like states observed in rodents, fostering the use of zebrafish models to explore BD-like responses in translational neuroscience research.

Quantifying Uncertainties in the Quiet‐Time Ionosphere‐Thermosphere Using WAM‐IPE

AbstractThis study presents a data‐driven approach to quantify uncertainties in the ionosphere‐thermosphere (IT) system due to varying solar wind parameters (drivers) during quiet conditions (Kp < 4) and fixed solar radiation and lower atmospheric conditions representative of 16 March 2013. Ensemble simulations of the coupled Whole Atmosphere Model with Ionosphere Plasmasphere Electrodynamics (WAM‐IPE) driven by synthetic solar wind drivers generated through a multi‐channel variational autoencoder (MCVAE) model are obtained. Applying the polynomial chaos expansion (PCE) technique, it is possible to estimate the means and variances of the QoIs as well as the sensitivities of the QoIs with regard to the drivers. Our results highlight unique features of the IT system's uncertainty: (a) the uncertainty of the IT system is larger during nighttime; (b) the spatial distributions of the uncertainty for electron density and zonal drift at fixed local times present 4 peaks in the evening sector, which are associated with the low‐density regions of longitude structure of electron density; (c) the uncertainty of the equatorial electron density is highly correlated with the uncertainty of the zonal drift, especially in the evening sector, while it is weakly correlated with the vertical drift. A variance‐based global sensitivity analysis suggests that the IMF Bz plays a dominant role in the uncertainty of electron density. A further discussion shows that the uncertainty of the IT system is determined by the magnitudes and universal time variations of solar wind drivers. Its temporal and spatial distribution can be modulated by the average state of the IT system.

Assessing the potential of ionosonde for forecasting post-sunset equatorial spread F: an observational experiment in Southeast Asia

The occurrence of equatorial spread F (ESF) has the potential to detrimentally impact space-based technological systems. This study investigates the utility of ionosondes in forecasting the incidence of post-sunset ESF in the zonal direction, utilizing observational data obtained from four ionosondes located near the magnetic Equator in Southeast Asia. Data were collected during the equinox seasons (March–April and September–October) between 2003 and 2020. To establish a relationship between the probability of post-sunset ESF occurrence and the evening vertical plasma drift (v), a logistic regression model was employed. Post-sunset ESF occurrence is defined as the presence of ESF during the time window between 19:00 and 21:00 LT, while v is derived from the average time derivative of virtual heights during the interval from 18:30 to 19:00 LT. Results indicate that the probability of post-sunset ESF occurrence approaches zero, signifying that ESF is unlikely to develop when v is negative. Conversely, when v exceeds 30 m/s, the probability of post-sunset ESF occurrence surpasses 0.87, indicating that ESF occurs almost invariably. The likelihood of post-sunset ESF occurrence reaches 1 when v equals or exceeds 40 m/s. Utilizing this model, the study determined that a single ionosonde positioned at the Equator can effectively forecast the incidence of post-sunset ESF up to a longitudinal distance of 30° from its location. The accuracy of ionosondes in predicting post-sunset ESF occurrence above their respective locations is approximately 0.80, with a 10% decrease in accuracy when forecasting ESF occurrence at longitudinal distances of 30°. In conclusion, this study enhances our understanding of the link between the evening vertical plasma drift and the manifestation of post-sunset ESF by leveraging ionosonde data. Furthermore, it provides valuable insights into the recommended coverage range of ionosondes for predicting post-sunset ESF occurrence in the zonal direction, which can be employed to fortify regional space weather services.Graphical

Comparison of the Heights of Sporadic E Layers and Vertical Ion Convergence Parameters

Sporadic E (Es) layers are thin layers of enhanced electron density that commonly appear at altitudes of 90–130 km, often impacting radio communications and navigation systems. The wind shear theory posits that the vertical ion drift, influenced by atmospheric neutral winds and the magnetic field, serves as a significant dynamic driver for the formation and movement of Es layers. In current studies, both the heights of ion vertical velocity null (IVN) and the maximum vertical ion convergence (VICmax) have been proposed as the potential height of Es layer occurrence. In this study, utilizing the neutral atmospheric wind data derived from the WACCM-X (The Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model with thermosphere and ionosphere extension), we computed and compared these two parameters with the observed Es layer heights recorded by the FORMOSAT-3/COSMIC (FORMOsa SATellite-3/Constellation Observing System for Meteorology, Ionosphere, and Climate) radio occultation (RO) observations. The comparative analysis suggests that IVN is a more likely node for Es layer occurrence than VICmax. Subsequently, we examined the height–time distributions of IVN and Es layers, as well as their respective descent rates at different latitudes. These results demonstrated a notable agreement in height variations between IVN and Es layers. The collective results presented in this paper provide strong support that the ion vertical velocity null plays a crucial role in determining the height of Es layers.

Predicting Equatorial Ionospheric Convective Instability Using Machine Learning

AbstractThe numerical forecast methods used to predict ionospheric convective plasma instabilities associated with Equatorial Spread‐F (ESF) have limited accuracy and are often computationally expensive. We test whether it is possible to bypass first‐principle numeric simulations and forecast irregularities using machine learning models. The data are obtained from the incoherent scatter radar at the Jicamarca Radio Observatory located in Lima, Peru. Our models map vertical plasma drifts, time, and solar activity to the occurrence and location of clusters of echoes telltale of ionospheric irregularities. Our results show that these models are capable of identifying the predictive power of the tested inputs, obtaining accuracies around 75%.

Investigation of the Physical Mechanisms of the Formation and Evolution of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles During a Moderate Storm on 17 September 2021

AbstractWe investigate in detail the occurrence and evolution of ionospheric equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) during a moderate storm on 17 September 2021, using Global‐scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) observations and Whole Atmosphere Community Climate Model‐eXtended (WACCM‐X) simulations. GOLD observations show that there were no EPBs on 16 September before the storm but EPBs occurred after the storm commencement on 17 September. The EPBs extended to ∼30° magnetic latitude. A diagnostic analysis of WACCM‐X simulations reveals that the rapid enhancement of prompt penetration electric fields (PPEFs) after the sudden storm commencement is the main reason that triggered the occurrence of the EPBs. Further quantitative analysis shows that vertical plasma drifts, which are enhanced by the PPEF, played a dominant role in strengthening the Rayleigh‐Taylor instability, leading to the occurrence of the EPBs and the large latitudinal extension of the EPBs to ∼30° magnetic latitude during the night of 17 September.

A New Approach to the Ionosphere at Middle and Low Latitudes under the Geomagnetic Quiet Time of December 2019 by ICON and GOLD Observations

It has been found that the total electron content (TEC) and the ionospheric electric fields indicated by the geomagnetic data showed inconsistent changes with each other at the mid- and low latitudes in both the American and the Asian–Australian sectors during geomagnetic quiet time (GQT) from 30 November to 8 December 2019 (Kpmax = 1.7). Meanwhile, the effects of thermospheric compositions are still indistinct. In this work, we analyze the mid/low-latitude ionospheric variations during this period, utilizing multi-instrument observations. The vertical drift velocities from the Ionospheric Connection Explorer (ICON) show significant variations and are in line with the changes in TEC at low latitudes in both of the two sectors. The zonal electric fields are supposed to play the main role in the TEC changes. This is also confirmed by the ionospheric F2 layer parameters data from the ionosonde stations at Sanya in the Asian–Australian sectors. The correlation between the variations in the geomagnetic H component (ΔH) and ionospheric F-layer electric fields can be affected by solar activity levels. The geomagnetic data ΔH sometimes may not indicate the magnitude of the electric fields in the F-region ionosphere under geomagnetic quiet conditions. The column density ratio of atomic oxygen (O) to molecular nitrogen (N2) (∑O/N2) from the Global Scale Observations of the Limb and Disk (GOLD) showed a strong enhancement at mid-latitudes in the American sector on 30 November. It is speculated that the neutral compositions should make a minor contribution to the changes in TEC during this event, compared with the electric fields.

Ionospheric Super Bubbles Near Sunset and Sunrise During the 26–28 February 2023 Geomagnetic Storm

AbstractIonospheric equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) are usually generated around sunset over equatorial to low latitudes. In this study, super EPBs extending to middle latitudes were observed, which were freshly generated at both post‐sunset and near‐sunrise periods over East/Southeast Asia during the geomagnetic storm on 26–28 February 2023. The post‐sunset (near‐sunrise) EPB persisted ∼4 (8) hours, drifting eastward (westward) and extending up to ∼35°N. Strong L‐band scintillations, deep total electron content (TEC) depletions and significant positioning errors were caused by the post‐sunset EPB. However, the scintillations and TEC depletions linked with the near‐sunrise EPB were relatively weaker, and no apparent positioning error was caused. Before the onsets of the post‐sunset EPBs, rapid upward vertical plasma drifts of ∼60 m/s, which could be linked with storm‐time prompt penetration electric fields, were observed at magnetic equator. The upward vertical drifts could amplify the F‐region bottomside perturbation via increasing the growth rate of Rayleigh‐Taylor (R‐T) instability and lead to the generation of post‐sunset EPBs. On the other hand, before the onset of near‐sunrise EPBs, the uplift of F layer was more significant at higher latitudes than that at magnetic equator, probably indicating the presence of equatorward neutral wind. Both the equatorial F layer uplift and equatorward neutral wind could contribute to the growth of R‐T instability and favor the generation of near‐sunrise EPBs.

Vertical Patterns in Lake Sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) Larval Drift within Two Rivers Directly Connected to Green Bay, Lake Michigan

Fish larvae in riverine environments often disperse (e.g., drift) from areas of egg deposition at the time of hatch. Several components of drift can be important in terms of survival including timing, distribution in the water column, and body size. The longitudinal and cross-sectional aspects of larval lake sturgeon (Acipenser fulvescens) drift from upstream spawning sites have received considerable study. However, the vertical distribution of larval lake sturgeon in the water column has not been comprehensively evaluated with respect to river size, water depth, the size of larvae in drift over the entire drift period, and the effectiveness of traditional sampling gear (D-frame nets) designed to collect larvae along the river bottom. In 2013, we sampled larval lake sturgeon drifting from upstream spawning sites in the Menominee and Oconto Rivers (Wisconsin, USA) using traditional D-frame nets and custom fabricated sampling nets that vertically partitioned the water column. Drifting larval lake sturgeon were observed from the river bottom to the top of the water column in both systems. Vertical net section was a significant predictor of total larval catch with the highest catch occurring in nets towards the center of the water column but was dependent on net location within the rivers’ cross section and downstream distance from spawning locations. 42% of larvae captured across both rivers were outside of the sampling capability of the traditional D-frame nets (i.e., fish would have drifted over the top). Studies seeking to describe larval production for lake sturgeon, as well as other fish species that exhibit drift in larval dispersal, need to consider a balance between net design and sampling the vertical/cross sectional profiles of rivers. Size-based vertical drift may also have consequences for studies seeking to estimate genetic parameters (e.g., diversity and parentage).

Dynamic Processes Associated With Prominent Ionospheric Variations in a Narrow Longitudinal Zone Near the EIA Crest Region as Revealed by ICON Satellite and Ground Beidou Receiver Observations Over South Asia

AbstractNeutral winds and plasma motions from the Ionospheric Connection Explorer mission were used to investigate dynamic processes associated with large regional total electron content (TEC) differences in a narrow longitudinal zone exceeding ∼45 TECU obtained from dense Beidou geostationary receivers at low latitudes over South Asia. The TEC east‒west asymmetry was defined to quantify this difference, which exceeded ∼5 TECU per 1° longitude distance and occurred around the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest on 31 March 2021 under geomagnetically quiescent conditions. Moreover, the magnetic meridional ion velocity exhibited a large longitude difference around the EIA crest during periods with strong ionospheric east‒west asymmetry. Furthermore, the longitude difference variation was consistent with the TEC east‒west asymmetry variation during 11–21 March 2020 and 27 March–4 April 2021. No significant correlations between TEC east‒west asymmetry and longitude differences under conditions with neutral winds and magnetic zonal ion drifts were observed in either case. The different vertical plasma drifts could contribute to ionospheric changes with a zonal range of a few hundred kilometers.