EOMF-21. Simulation of equatorial Ionospheric growth rate using WAM-IPE

Abstract
The equatorial nighttime phenomenon, plasma bubble, generated by the Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) instability seriously affects our communication system. To estimate and investigate the phenomenon, a simplify expression for R-T instability growth rate is derived, and the diurnal variation, seasonal variation as well as the solar activity effects of the growth rate are carried out using the coupled Whole Atmosphere Model and Ionosphere Plasmasphere Electrodynamic model (WAM-IPE). The result shows that the strong R-T growth rate is generated in the uplifting ionosphere structure at the magnetic equator during the post-sunset period. During the high solar activity period, the R-T growth rates are more prominent in equinox seasons, and however, the greatest growth rate is found at east Pacific sector in December solstice during low solar activity period. In general, the growth rate is proportional to the solar activity.