AUTHOREA
Log in Sign Up Browse Preprints

loading page

Extreme poleward expanding super plasma bubbles triggered by Tonga volcano eruption during the recovery phase of geomagnetic storm
  • +12
  • P. K. Rajesh,
  • Charles C. H. Lin,
  • Jia-Ting Lin,
  • Chi-Yen Lin,
  • Jann-Yenq Liu,
  • Tomoko Matsuo,
  • Cheng-Yung Huang,
  • Min-Yang Chou,
  • Jia Yue,
  • Michi Nishioka,
  • Hidekatsu Jin,
  • Jong-Min Choi,
  • Shih-Ping Chen,
  • Marty Chou,
  • Ho-Fang Tsai
P. K. Rajesh
National Cheng Kung University
Author Profile
Charles C. H. Lin
National Cheng Kung University

Corresponding Author:[email protected]

Author Profile
Jia-Ting Lin
National Cheng Kung University
Author Profile
Chi-Yen Lin
National Central University
Author Profile
Jann-Yenq Liu
National Central University
Author Profile
Tomoko Matsuo
Ann and H.J. Smead Department of Aerospace Engineering Sciences, University of Colorado Boulder
Author Profile
Cheng-Yung Huang
National Central University
Author Profile
Min-Yang Chou
Goddard Space Flight Center
Author Profile
Jia Yue
Goddard Space Flight Center
Author Profile
Michi Nishioka
National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Author Profile
Hidekatsu Jin
National Institute of Information and Communications Technology
Author Profile
Jong-Min Choi
National Cheng Kung University
Author Profile
Shih-Ping Chen
National Cheng Kung University
Author Profile
Marty Chou
National Cheng Kung University
Author Profile
Ho-Fang Tsai
National Central University
Author Profile

Abstract

The Tonga volcano eruption of 15 January 2022 unleashed a variety of atmospheric perturbations, coinciding with the recovery phase of a geomagnetic storm. The ensuing thermospheric variations created rare display of extreme poleward-expanding conjugate plasma bubbles seen in the rate of total electron content index (ROTI) over 100-150°E. This is associated with fluctuations in FORMOSAT-7/COSMIC-2 (F7/C2) ion-density measurements and spread-F signatures in ionograms, reaching ~40°N geographic latitude. This was preceded by an unusually strong pre-reversal enhancement (PRE) in the global ionospheric specification (GIS) electron density profiles derived from F7/C2 observations. The GIS further revealed a decrease of equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest density due to the storm impact. A sharp decrease of E-region conductivity by volcano-induced waves, combined with enhanced F-region wind over EIA with less ion-drag apparently intensified the PRE. The strong PRE and seed perturbations from the volcano-induced waves likely further triggered super plasma bubble activity.