Ionospheric Turbulence and the Equatorial Plasma Density Irregularities: Scaling Features and RODI

Paola De Michelis, Giuseppe Consolini, Roberta Tozzi, Alessio Pignalberi, Michael Pezzopane, Igino Coco, Fabio Giannattasio, Maria Federica Marcucci
2021 Remote Sensing  
In the framework of space weather, the understanding of the physical mechanisms responsible for the generation of ionospheric irregularities is particularly relevant for their effects on global positioning and communication systems. Ionospheric equatorial plasma bubbles are one of the possible irregularities. In this work, using data from the ESA Swarm mission, we investigate the scaling features of electron density fluctuations characterizing equatorial plasma bubbles. Results strongly support
more » ... a turbulence character of these structures and suggest the existence of a clear link between the observed scaling properties and the value of the Rate Of change of electron Density Index (RODI). This link is discussed, and RODI is proposed as a reliable proxy for the identification of plasma bubbles.
doi:10.3390/rs13040759 fatcat:gtabmdatenchnpjbsn5ajdqt3y