Faculty Profiles - OTSUKA, Yuichi

Papers - OTSUKA, Yuichi

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The first long-term all-sky imager observation of lunar sodium tail Reviewed

Masaki N. Nishino, Kazuo Shiokawa, Yuichi Otsuka

ICARUS Vol. 280 page： 199 - 204 2016.12

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：ACADEMIC PRESS INC ELSEVIER SCIENCE

The Moon possesses a long tail of neutral sodium atoms that are emitted from the lunar surface and transported anti-sunward by the solar radiation pressure. Since the earth crosses the lunar sodium tail for a few days around the new moon, the resonant light emission from sodium atoms can be detected from the ground. Here we show the first long-term (16 years) observation of the lunar sodium tail, using an all-sky imager at Shigaraki Observatory (35 degrees N, 136 degrees E), Japan. We have surveyed our database of all-sky sodium images at a wavelength of 5893 nm to find more than 20 events in which a bright spot emerges around the anti-lunar point during the new moon periods. We could not find any clear correlation between the sodium brightness and solar wind parameters (density, speed, dynamic pressure, and F10.7 index). In particular, no enhancement of the sodium spot brightness is detected even under very high density solar wind conditions (70 cm(-3); an order-of-magnitude higher than usual), which means that solar wind sputtering is not a principal mechanism of the formation of the lunar sodium tail. (C) 2016 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.icarus.2016.08.004

Three years of concentric gravity wave variability in the mesopause as observed by IMAP/VISI Reviewed

S. Perwitasari, T. Sakanoi, T. Nakamura, M. K. Ejiri, M. Tsutsumi, Y. Tomikawa, Y. Otsuka, A. Yamazaki, A. Saito

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS Vol. 43 ( 22 ) page： 11528 - 11535 2016.11

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

We report a statistical study on concentric gravity waves (CGWs) in the mesopause (similar to 95 km) using 3 years nightglow data obtained by Ionosphere, Mesosphere, upper Atmosphere and Plasmasphere/Visible and near-Infrared Spectral Imager. The 235 CGWs events were found with horizontal wavelength ranging from 40 to 250 km and maximum radius of 200 to 3000 km. The latitudinal distribution of the CGWs centers had peaks in mid latitude (40 degrees N and 40 degrees S) and minimum at low latitudes (10 degrees S). More events were found in the summer hemisphere midlatitudes, with a rapid transition between northern and Southern Hemisphere around the equinoxes. The occurrence probability was significantly higher during nonsolstice months (February-May and August-November) than solstice months (June-July and December-January), suggesting that there was a little breaking or critical level absorption so the waves could reach the mesopause more often during these periods. The global distribution showed several preferable regions but very few events over tropical convective regions.

DOI： 10.1002/2016GL071511

Ionospheric TEC Weather Map Over South America Reviewed Open Access

H. Takahashi, C. M. Wrasse, C. M. Denardini, M. B. Padua, E. R. de Paula, S. M. A. Costa, Y. Otsuka, K. Shiokawa, J. F. Galera Monico, A. Ivo, N. Sant'Anna

SPACE WEATHER-THE INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL OF RESEARCH AND APPLICATIONS Vol. 14 ( 11 ) page： 937 - 949 2016.11

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

Ionospheric weather maps using the total electron content (TEC) monitored by ground-based Global Navigation Satellite Systems (GNSS) receivers over South American continent, TECMAP, have been operationally produced by Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais's Space Weather Study and Monitoring Program (Estudo e Monitoramento Brasileiro de Clima Especial) since 2013. In order to cover the whole continent, four GNSS receiver networks, (Rede Brasileiro de Monitoramento Continuo) RBMC/Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics, Low-latitude Ionospheric Sensor Network, International GNSS Service, and Red Argentina de Monitoreo Satelital Continuo, in total similar to 140 sites, have been used. TECMAPs with a time resolution of 10min are produced in 12h time delay. Spatial resolution of the map is rather low, varying between 50 and 500km depending on the density of the observation points. Large day-to-day variabilities of the equatorial ionization anomaly have been observed. Spatial gradient of TEC from the anomaly trough (total electron content unit, 1TECU=10(16)elm(-2) (TECU) <10) to the crest region (TECU>80) causes a large ionospheric range delay in the GNSS positioning system. Ionospheric plasma bubbles, their seeding and development, could be monitored. This plasma density (spatial and temporal) variability causes not only the GNSS-based positioning error but also radio wave scintillations. Monitoring of these phenomena by TEC mapping becomes an important issue for space weather concern for high-technology positioning system and telecommunication.

DOI： 10.1002/2016SW001474

On the fresh development of equatorial plasma bubbles around the midnight hours of June solstice Reviewed

K. K. Ajith, S. Tulasi Ram, M. Yamamoto, Y. Otsuka, K. Niranjan

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 121 ( 9 ) page： 9051 - 9062 2016.9

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

Using the 47MHz Equatorial Atmosphere Radar (EAR) at Kototabang, Indonesia, the nocturnal evolution of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) was examined during the moderate solar activity years 2011-2012. While the evolution of EPBs was mostly (86%) confined to post sunset hours (1900-2100LT) during equinoxes, in contrast, the majority of EPBs (similar to 71%) in June solstice found evolve around the midnight hours (2200-0300LT). The mechanisms behind the fresh evolution of summer time midnight EPBs were investigated, for the first time, through SAMI2 model simulations with a realistic input of background ExB drift variation derived from CINDI IVM on board C/NOFS satellite. The term-by-term analysis of linear growth rate of RT instability indicates that the formation of high flux tube electron content height gradient (K-F) (steep vertical gradient) region at higher altitudes is the key factor for the enhanced growth rate of RT instability. The responsible factors are discussed in light of relatively weak westward zonal electric field in the presence of equatorward neutral wind and bottomside recombination around the midnight hours of June solstice. The effects of neutral winds and weak westward electric fields on the uplift of equatorial F layer were examined separately using controlled SAMI2 simulations. The results indicate that relatively larger linear growth rate is more likely to occur around midnight during June solstice because of relatively weak westward electric field than other local times in the presence of equatorward meridional wind.

DOI： 10.1002/2016JA023024

Fast modulations of pulsating proton aurora related to subpacket structures of Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations at subauroral latitudes Reviewed Open Access

M. Ozaki, K. Shiokawa, Y. Miyoshi, R. Kataoka, S. Yagitani, T. Inoue, Y. Ebihara, C. -W Jun, R. Nomura, K. Sakaguchi, Y. Otsuka, M. Shoji, I. Schofield, M. Connors, V. K. Jordanova

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS Vol. 43 ( 15 ) page： 7859 - 7866 2016.8

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

To understand the role of electromagnetic ion cyclotron (EMIC) waves in determining the temporal features of pulsating proton aurora (PPA) via wave-particle interactions at subauroral latitudes, high-time-resolution (1/8s) images of proton-induced N-2(+) emissions were recorded using a new electron multiplying charge-coupled device camera, along with related Pc1 pulsations on the ground. The observed Pc1 pulsations consisted of successive rising-tone elements with a spacing for each element of 100s and subpacket structures, which manifest as amplitude modulations with a period of a few tens of seconds. In accordance with the temporal features of the Pc1 pulsations, the auroral intensity showed a similar repetition period of 100s and an unpredicted fast modulation of a few tens of seconds. These results indicate that PPA is generated by pitch angle scattering, nonlinearly interacting with Pc1/EMIC waves at the magnetic equator.

DOI： 10.1002/2016GL070008

Enhanced ionospheric plasma bubble generation in more active ITCZ Reviewed Open Access

Guozhu Li, Yuichi Otsuka, Baiqi Ning, M. A. Abdu, M. Yamamoto, Weixing Wan, Libo Liu, Prayitno Abadi

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS Vol. 43 ( 6 ) page： 2389 - 2395 2016.3

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

A close link between the atmospheric Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ) and ionospheric plasma bubble has been proposed since the last century. But this relationship has often appeared to be less than convincing due to the simultaneous roles played by several other factors in shaping the global distribution of ionospheric bubbles. From simultaneous collaborative radar multibeam steering measurements at Kototabang (0.2 degrees S, 100.3 degrees E) and Sanya (18.4 degrees N, 109.6 degrees E), conducted during September-October of 2012 and 2013, we find that the total numbers of nights with bubble (i.e., occurrence rates) at the two closely located longitudes (Kototabang and Sanya) are comparable. But interestingly, the total number of nights with locally generated bubble (i.e., generation rate) over Kototabang is clearly more than that over Sanya. Further analysis reveals that a more active ITCZ is situated around the longitude of Kototabang. We surmise that the enhanced ionospheric bubble generation at Kototabang longitude could be caused by a higher gravity wave activity associated with the more active ITCZ.

DOI： 10.1002/2016GL068145

Altitude development of postmidnight F region field-aligned irregularities observed using Equatorial Atmosphere Radar in Indonesia Reviewed Open Access

Tam Dao, Yuichi Otsuka, Kazuo Shiokawa, S. Tulasi Ram, Mamoru Yamamoto

GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH LETTERS Vol. 43 ( 3 ) page： 1015 - 1022 2016.2

Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

For the first time, vertical rise velocities of postmidnight field-aligned irregularities (FAIs) at low geomagnetic latitudes have been examined near the June solstice by using two-dimensional maps of F region FAI echoes observed with the Equatorial Atmosphere Radar in Indonesia for 3years starting in May 2010. We found 15 freshly growing FAIs at postmidnight between May and August during the 3years. The rise velocities of FAIs are smaller at postmidnight than at postsunset, and most postmidnight FAIs do not exceed an altitude of 450km. Based on the rise velocities, a lower limit for the creation time of the postmidnight FAIs is estimated to be between 21:30LT and 02:00LT for 14 of the 15 events, indicating that this class of FAIs is distinct from the postsunset FAIs.

DOI： 10.1002/2015GL067432

Pulsating proton aurora caused by rising tone Pc1 waves Reviewed Open Access

R. Nomura, K. Shiokawa, Y. Omura, Y. Ebihara, Y. Miyoshi, K. Sakaguchi, Y. Otsuka, M. Connors

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 121 ( 2 ) page： 1608 - 1618 2016.2

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

We found rising tone emissions with a dispersion of approximate to 1Hz per several tens of seconds in the dynamic spectrum of a Pc1 geomagnetic pulsation (Pc1) observed on the ground. These Pc1 rising tones were successively observed over approximate to 30min from 0250UT on 14 October 2006 by an induction magnetometer at Athabasca, Canada (54.7 degrees N, 246.7 degrees E, magnetic latitude 61.7 degrees N). Simultaneously, a Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms panchromatic (THEMIS) all-sky camera detected pulsations of an isolated proton aurora with a period of several tens of seconds, approximate to 10% variations in intensity, and fine structures of 3 degrees in magnetic longitudes. The pulsations of the proton aurora close to the zenith of ATH have one-to-one correspondences with the Pc1 rising tones. This suggests that these rising tones scatter magnetospheric protons intermittently at the equatorial region. The radial motion of the magnetospheric source, of which the isolated proton aurora is a projection, can explain the central frequency increase of Pc1, but not the shorter period (tens of seconds) frequency increase of approximate to 1Hz in Pc1 rising tones. We suggest that EMIC-triggered emissions generate the frequency increase of Pc1 rising tones on the ground and that they also cause the Pc1 pearl structure, which has a similar characteristic time.

DOI： 10.1002/2015JA021681

Duskside enhancement of equatorial zonal electric field response to convection electric fields during the St. Patrick's Day storm on 17 March 2015 Reviewed Open Access

S. Tulasi Ram, T. Yokoyama, Y. Otsuka, K. Shiokawa, S. Sripathi, B. Veenadhari, R. Heelis, K. K. Ajith, V. S. Gowtam, S. Gurubaran, P. Supnithi, M. Le Huy

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 121 ( 1 ) page： 538 - 548 2016.1

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

The equatorial zonal electric field responses to prompt penetration of eastward convection electric fields (PPEF) were compared at closely spaced longitudinal intervals at dusk to premidnight sectors during the intense geomagnetic storm of 17 March 2015. At dusk sector (Indian longitudes), a rapid uplift of equatorial F layer to >550km and development of intense equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) were observed. These EPBs were found to extend up to 27.13 degrees N and 25.98 degrees S magnetic dip latitudes indicating their altitude development to similar to 1670km at apex. In contrast, at few degrees east in the premidnight sector (Thailand-Indonesian longitudes), no significant height rise and/or EPB activity has been observed. The eastward electric field perturbations due to PPEF are greatly dominated at dusk sector despite the existence of background westward ionospheric disturbance dynamo (IDD) fields, whereas they were mostly counter balanced by the IDD fields in the premidnight sector. In situ observations from SWARM-A and SWARM-C and Communication/Navigation Outage Forecasting System satellites detected a large plasma density depletion near Indian equatorial region due to large electrodynamic uplift of F layer to higher than satellite altitudes. Further, this large uplift is found to confine to a narrow longitudinal sector centered on sunset terminator. This study brings out the significantly enhanced equatorial zonal electric field in response to PPEF that is uniquely confined to dusk sector. The responsible mechanisms are discussed in terms of unique electrodynamic conditions prevailing at dusk sector in the presence of convection electric fields associated with the onset of a substorm under southward interplanetary magnetic field B-z.

DOI： 10.1002/2015JA021932

ISS-IMAPによる大気光波状構造の観測 Open Access

齊藤昭則, 穂積裕太, 坂野井健, S. Perwitasari, 吉川一朗, 山崎敦, 大塚雄一, 山本衛

2016

TEC variation during high and low solar activities over South American sector Reviewed

O. F. Jonah, E. R. de Paula, M. T. A. H. Muella, S. L. G. Dutra, E. A. Kherani, P. M. S. Negreti, Y. Otsuka

JOURNAL OF ATMOSPHERIC AND SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS Vol. 135 page： 22 - 35 2015.12

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Using dual frequency GPS receivers in the South American sector, the measurement of absolute ionospheric Total Electron Content (TEC) has been estimated applying the Nagoya ionospheric model for both the years of 2009 and 2001, which represent low and high solar activities, respectively. The diurnal, day-to-day, monthly, seasonal, latitudinal and longitudinal variations of TEC were studied for equatorial and low latitude regions of South America. The strength and characteristics of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) were equally analyzed. The analyses reveal the diurnal, seasonal and semidiurnal TEC variation, as well as the nighttime variability during the low and high solar activities. Wavelet power spectra analysis was employed to check the periodicities of the TEC data, F10.7 and zonal and meridional wind velocities measured by Meteor radar at similar to 100 km altitude. Periods such as 27, 16, 8-10, 1-5 days were found to be dominant in the zonal and meridional wind velocity corresponding with those of TEC periodicities. Hence, besides the solar radiation, we suggest that there are contributions of tides and planetary waves in spatial and temporal TEC enhancement and variations during the geomagnetic quiet periods of both solar activities. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jastp.2015.10.005

A direct link between chorus emissions and pulsating aurora on timescales from milliseconds to minutes: A case study at subauroral latitudes Reviewed Open Access

Mitsunori Ozaki, Satoshi Yagitani, Kaoru Sawai, Kazuo Shiokawa, Yoshizumi Miyoshi, Ryuho Kataoka, Akimasa Ieda, Yusuke Ebihara, Martin Connors, Ian Schofield, Yuto Katoh, Yuichi Otsuka, Naoki Sunagawa, Vania K. Jordanova

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 120 ( 11 ) page： 9617 - 9631 2015.11

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

A correlation was observed between chorus emissions and pulsating aurora (PA) from observations at Athabasca (L approximate to 4.3) in Canada at 9: 00-9: 20 UT on 7 February 2013, using an electron multiplying charge-coupled device camera and a VLF loop antenna with sampling rates of 110 Hz and 100 kHz, respectively. Pulsating aurora having a quasiperiodic variation in luminosity and a few hertz modulation was observed together with chorus emissions consisting of a group of successive rising-tone elements. The repetition period and modulation frequency of the PA are in good agreement with those of the modulated chorus. After 9: 11 UT, the temporal features of the aurora became aperiodic PA of indistinct modulation. Simultaneously, the rising-tone chorus turned into chorus emissions consisting of numerous rising-tone elements. The equatorial geomagnetic field inhomogeneity calculated using the Tsyganenko 2002 model shows a decreasing trend during the period. This result is consistent with nonlinear wave growth theory having a small geomagnetic field inhomogeneity, which contributes to a decrease in the threshold amplitude to trigger discrete chorus elements. These observations show a close connection between chorus emissions and PA on timescales from milliseconds for generation of discrete chorus elements on the microphysics of wave-particle interaction to minutes for the variations of the geomagnetic field inhomogeneity related with the substorm activity.

DOI： 10.1002/2015JA021381

Coordinated airglow observations between IMAP/VISI and a ground-based all-sky imager on concentric gravity wave in the mesopause Reviewed Open Access

S. Perwitasari, T. Sakanoi, A. Yamazaki, Y. Otsuka, Y. Hozumi, Y. Akiya, A. Saito, K. Shiokawa, S. Kawamura

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 120 ( 11 ) page： 9706 - 9721 2015.11

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

We present a study of concentric gravity waves (CGWs) event from the coordinated observation between Ionosphere, Mesosphere, upper Atmosphere, and Plasmasphere mapping (IMAP)/Visible and near-Infrared Spectral Imager (VISI), all-sky camera at Rikubetsu, Multi-functional Transport Satellite (MTSAT), Tropical Rainfall Measuring Mission, and MF radar at Wakkanai combined with Modern-Era Retrospective Analysis for Research and Application data. IMAP/VISI is the first space-based imager that capable of imaging the airglow in the mesosphere and lower thermosphere region in the nadir-looking direction. Therefore, it has a unique ability to observe a great extend of CGWs propagation. Arc-like shaped, part of CGWs pattern was observed around themesopause (similar to 95 km) in the O-2 762 nm airglow emission obtained by IMAP/VISI at 1204 UT on 18 October 2012. Similar patterns were also observed by the all-sky imager at Rikubetsu (43.5 degrees N, 143.8 degrees E) in OI 557.7 nm and OH band airglow emissions from similar to 1100 to 1200 UT. Horizontal wavelengths of the observed small-scale gravity waves are similar to 50 km (OH band and OI 557.7nm) and similar to 67 km (O-2 762 nm). The source is suggested to be a deep convective activity over Honshu Island which likely was an enhanced convective activity related to a typhoon in the south of Japan. The data showed that the CGWs could propagate up to similar to 1400-1500km horizontally from the source to the mesopause but not farther away. Using atmospheric temperature profiles obtained by Thermospheric Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics Dynamics/Sounding of the Atmosphere using Broadband Emission Radiometry, we conclude that this long-distance propagation of the waves could be caused by thermal duct in the middle atmosphere. The arc-like shaped instead of full circle pattern points out that the wind filtering effect is significant for the particular direction of wave propagation.

DOI： 10.1002/2015JA021424

Multi-instrument, high-resolution imaging of polar cap patch transportation Reviewed Open Access

E. G. Thomas, K. Hosokawa, J. Sakai, J. B. H. Baker, J. M. Ruohoniemi, S. Taguchi, K. Shiokawa, Y. Otsuka, A. J. Coster, J. -P. St.-Maurice, K. A. McWilliams

RADIO SCIENCE Vol. 50 ( 9 ) page： 904 - 915 2015.9

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

Transionospheric radio signals in the high-latitude polar cap are susceptible to degradation when encountering sharp electron density gradients associated with discrete plasma structures, or patches. Multi-instrument measurements of polar cap patches are examined during a geomagnetic storm interval on 22 January 2012. For the first time, we monitor the transportation of patches with high spatial and temporal resolution across the polar cap for 1-2 h using a combination of GPS total electron content (TEC), all-sky airglow imagers (ASIs), and Super Dual Auroral Radar Network (SuperDARN) HF radar backscatter. Simultaneous measurements from these data sets allow for continuous tracking of patch location, horizontal extent, and velocity despite adverse observational conditions for the primary technique (e.g., sunlit regions in the ASI data). Spatial collocation between patch-like features in relatively coarse but global GPS TEC measurements and those mapped by high-resolution ASI data was very good, indicating that GPS TEC can be applied to track patches continuously as they are transported across the polar cap. In contrast to previous observations of cigar-shaped patches formed under weakly disturbed conditions, the relatively narrow dawn-dusk extent of patches in the present interval (500-800 km) suggests association with a longitudinally confined plasma source region, such as storm-enhanced density (SED) plume. SuperDARN observations show that the backscatter power enhancements corresponded to the optical patches, and for the first time we demonstrate that the motion of the optical patches was consistent with background plasma convection velocities.

DOI： 10.1002/2015RS005672

Plasma bubble monitoring by TEC map and 630 nm airglow image Reviewed Open Access

H. Takahashi, C. M. Wrasse, Y. Otsuka, A. Ivo, V. Gomes, I. Paulino, A. F. Medeiros, C. M. Denardini, N. Sant'Anna, K. Shiokawa

JOURNAL OF ATMOSPHERIC AND SOLAR-TERRESTRIAL PHYSICS Vol. 130 page： 151 - 158 2015.8

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：PERGAMON-ELSEVIER SCIENCE LTD

Equatorial ionosphere plasma bubbles over the South American continent were successfully observed by mapping the total electron content (TECMAP) using data provided by ground-based GNSS receiver networks. The TECMAP could cover almost all of the continent within 4000 km distance in longitude and latitude, monitoring TEC variability continuously with a time resolution of 10 min. Simultaneous observations of OI 630 nm all-sky image at Cachoeira Paulista (22.7 degrees S, 45.0 degrees W) and Cariri (7.4 degrees S, 36.5 degrees W) were used to compare the bubble structures. The spatial resolution of the TECMAP varied from 50 km to 1000 km, depending on the density of the observation sites. On the other hand, optical imaging has a spatial resolution better than 15 km, depicting the fine structure of the bubbles but covering a limited area (similar to 1600 km diameter). TECMAP has an advantage in its spatial coverage and the continuous monitoring (day and night) form. The initial phase of plasma depletion in the post-sunset equatorial ionization anomaly (PS-EIA) trough region, followed by development of plasma bubbles in the crest region, could be monitored in a progressive way over the magnetic equator. In December 2013 to January 2014, periodically spaced bubble structures were frequently observed. The longitudinal spacing between the bubbles was around 600-800 km depending on the day. The periodic form of plasma bubbles may suggest a seeding process related to the solar terminator passage in the ionosphere. (C) 2015 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.

DOI： 10.1016/j.jastp.2015.06.003

Statistical study of auroral fragmentation into patches Reviewed Open Access

Ayumi Hashimoto, Kazuo Shiokawa, Yuichi Otsuka, Shin-ichiro Oyama, Satonori Nozawa, Tomoaki Hori, Mark Lester, Magnar Gullikstad Johnsen

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 120 ( 8 ) page： 6207 - 6217 2015.8

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

The study of auroral dynamics is important when considering disturbances of the magnetosphere. Shiokawa et al. (2010, 2014) reported observations of finger-like auroral structures that cause auroral fragmentation. Those structures are probably produced by macroscopic instabilities in the magnetosphere, mainly of the Rayleigh-Taylor type. However, the statistical characteristics of these structures have not yet been investigated. Here based on observations by an all-sky imager at TromsO (magnetic latitude=67.1 degrees N), Norway, over three winter seasons, we statistically analyzed the occurrence conditions of 14 large-scale finger-like structures that developed from large-scale auroral regions including arcs and 6 small-scale finger-like structures that developed in auroral patches. The large-scale structures were seen from midnight to dawn local time and usually appeared at the beginning of the substorm recovery phase, near the low-latitude boundary of the auroral region. The small-scale structures were primarily seen at dawn and mainly occurred in the late recovery phase of substorms. The sizes of these large- and small-scale structures mapped in the magnetospheric equatorial plane are usually larger than the gyroradius of 10keV protons, indicating that the finger-like structures could be caused by magnetohydrodynamic instabilities. However, the scale of small structures is only twice the gyroradius of 10keV protons, suggesting that finite Larmor radius effects may contribute to the formation of small-scale structures. The eastward propagation velocities of the structures are -40 to +200m/s and are comparable with those of plasma drift velocities measured by the colocating Super Dual Auroral Radar Network radar.

DOI： 10.1002/2015JA021000

Fresh and evolutionary-type field-aligned irregularities generated near sunrise terminator due to overshielding electric fields Reviewed Open Access

S. Tulasi Ram, K. K. Ajith, M. Yamamoto, Y. Otsuka, T. Yokoyama, K. Niranjan, S. Gurubaran

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 120 ( 7 ) page： 5922 - 5930 2015.7

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

The unusual evolution of fresh and intense field-aligned irregularities (FAI) near sunrise terminator which further sustained for more than 90min of postsunrise period was observed by Equatorial Atmosphere Radar at Kototabang during a minor geomagnetic storm period. These FAI echoes were initially observed around 250-350km altitudes, growing upward under eastward polarization electric fields indicating the plasma bubbles that are fully depleted along the flux tube. The background low-latitude F layer dynamics that lead to the development of these dawn time FAI have been investigated from two ionosondes at near magnetic conjugate low-latitude locations. A minor geomagnetic storm was in progress which did not appear to cause any large electric field perturbations at preceding postsunset to midnight period over Indonesian sector. However, the prompt penetration of overshielding electric fields associated with sudden northward turning of interplanetary magnetic field B-z caused spectacular ascent of F layer and development of fresh, intense, and upward evolutionary plasma bubbles near sunrise terminator.

DOI： 10.1002/2015JA021427

Effects of pre-reversal enhancement of E x B drift on the latitudinal extension of plasma bubble in Southeast Asia Reviewed Open Access

Prayitno Abadi, Yuichi Otsuka, Takuya Tsugawa

EARTH PLANETS AND SPACE Vol. 67 2015.5

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

We investigated the effects of the F region bottomside altitude (h'F), maximum upward E x B drift velocity, duration of pre-reversal enhancement and the integral of upward E x B drift on the latitudinal extension of equatorial plasma bubbles in the Southeast Asian sector using the observations recorded by three GPS receivers and two ionosondes. The GPS receivers are installed at Kototabang (0.2 degrees S, 100.3 degrees E; 9.9 degrees S magnetic latitude), Pontianak (0.02 degrees S, 109.3 degrees E; 9.8 degrees S magnetic latitude) and Bandung (6.9 degrees S, 107.6 degrees E; 16.7 degrees S magnetic latitude) in Indonesia. The ionosondes are installed at magnetically equatorial stations, Chumphon (10.7 degrees N, 99.4 degrees E; 0.86 degrees N magnetic latitude) in Thailand and Bac Lieu (9.3 degrees N, 105.7 degrees E; 0.62 degrees N magnetic latitude) in Vietnam. We analysed those observations acquired in the equinoctial months (March, April, September and October) in 2010-2012, when the solar activity index F-10.7 was in the range from 75 to 150. Assuming that plasma bubbles are the major source of scintillations, the latitudinal extension of the bubbles was determined according to the S4 index. We have found that the peak of h'F, maximum upward E x B drift and the integral of upward E x B drift during the pre-reversal enhancement period are positively correlated with the maximum latitude extension of plasma bubbles, but that duration of pre-reversal enhancement does not show correlation. The plasma bubbles reached magnetic latitudes of 10 degrees-20 degrees in the following conditions: (1) the peak value of h'F is greater than 250-450 km, (2) the maximum upward E x B drift is greater than 10-70 m/s and (3) the integral of upward E x B drift is greater than 50-250 m/s. These results suggest that the latitudinal extension of plasma bubbles is controlled mainly by the magnitude of pre-reversal enhancement and the peak value of h'F at the initial phase of development of plasma bubbles (or equatorial spread F) rather than by the duration of pre-reversal enhancement.

DOI： 10.1186/s40623-015-0246-7

Airglow-imaging observation of plasma bubble disappearance at geomagnetically conjugate points Reviewed Open Access

Kazuo Shiokawa, Yuichi Otsuka, Kenneth J. W. Lynn, Philip Wilkinson, Takuya Tsugawa

EARTH PLANETS AND SPACE Vol. 67 page： 1 - 12 2015.3

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：SPRINGER HEIDELBERG

We report the first observation of the disappearance of a plasma bubble over geomagnetically conjugate points. It was observed by airglow imagers at Darwin, Australia (magnetic latitude: -22 degrees N) and Sata, Japan (21 degrees N) on 8 August 2002. The plasma bubble was observed in 630-nm airglow images from 1530 (0030 LT) to 1800 UT (0300 LT) and disappeared equatorward at 1800 to 1900 UT (0300 to 0400 LT) in the field of view. The ionograms at Darwin and Yamagawa (20 km north of Sata) show strong spread-F signatures at approximately 16 to 21 UT. At Darwin, the F-layer virtual height suddenly increased from approximately 200 to approximately 260 km at the time of bubble disappearance. However, a similar F-layer height increase was not observed over the conjugate point at Yamagawa, indicating that this F-layer rise was caused not by an eastward electric field but by enhancement of the equatorward thermospheric wind over Darwin. We think that this enhancement of the equatorward neutral wind was caused by an equatorward-propagating large-scale traveling ionospheric disturbance, which was identified in the north-south keogram of 630-nm airglow images. We speculate that polarization electric field associated with this equatorward neutral wind drive plasma drift across the magnetic field line to cause the observed bubble disappearance.

DOI： 10.1186/s40623-015-0202-6

Geomagnetically conjugate observation of plasma bubbles and thermospheric neutral winds at low latitudes Reviewed

D. Fukushima, K. Shiokawa, Y. Otsuka, M. Nishioka, M. Kubota, T. Tsugawa, T. Nagatsuma, S. Komonjinda, C. Y. Yatini

JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS Vol. 120 ( 3 ) page： 2222 - 2231 2015.3

Language：English Publishing type：Research paper (scientific journal) Publisher：AMER GEOPHYSICAL UNION

This is the first paper that reports simultaneous observations of zonal drift of plasma bubbles and the thermospheric neutral winds at geomagnetically conjugate points in both hemispheres. The plasma bubbles were observed in the 630nm nighttime airglow images taken by using highly sensitive all-sky airglow imagers at Kototabang, Indonesia (geomagnetic latitude (MLAT): 10.0 degrees S), and Chiang Mai, Thailand (MLAT: 8.9 degrees N), which are nearly geomagnetically conjugate stations, for 7h from 13 to 20UT (from 20 to 03LT) on 5 April 2011. The bubbles continuously propagated eastward with velocities of 100-125m/s. The 630nm images at Chiang Mai and those mapped to the conjugate point of Kototabang fit very well, which indicates that the observed plasma bubbles were geomagnetically connected. The eastward thermospheric neutral winds measured by two Fabry-Perot interferometers were 70-130m/s at Kototabang and 50-90m/s at Chiang Mai. We compared the observed plasma bubble drift velocity with the velocity calculated from the observed neutral winds and the model conductivity, to investigate the F region dynamo contribution to the bubble drift velocity. The estimated drift velocities were 60-90% of the observed velocities of the plasma bubbles, suggesting that most of the plasma bubble velocity can be explained by the F region dynamo effect.

DOI： 10.1002/2014JA020398

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