Spatio-temporal characteristics of ionospheric irregularities in low latitude regions during the peak of solar cycle 25

Abstract

Equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) are a primary source of ionospheric irregularities (IIR) in low-latitude regions. The severity of EPBs depends on the intensity, penetration, and disturbance of electric fields generated in the ionosphere. In this work, we analyze the IIR associated with geomagnetic activity in the low-latitude region (0°N–25°N, 90°E–110°E) from 2022 to 2024. The total electron content (TEC) and the rate of TEC index (ROTI) are used to investigate the spatiotemporal characteristics of these IIRs, influenced by both local EPBs and global geomagnetic storms. During low-to-moderate geomagnetic activity, electric field penetration and disturbances have a low impact on EPB development. The high solar activity intensifies the electric field, leading to intense EPB occurrences that can affect the entire region for several hours. From January 2022 to October 2024, these intense EPB events accounted for 35% of all EPB occurrences. During strong geomagnetic storms, the prompt penetration of electric fields (PPEF), and disturbance dynamo electric field (DDEF) caused the depression and fluctuations of TECs.