Abstract:
Using radars and C/NOFS satellite observations we studied the spatio‐temporal evolution of
Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) and estimated its onset location across a wide longitudinal sector over Indian
and Southeast Asian longitudes. The vertical E × B drift velocity measurements obtained from the Ion Velocity
Meter (IVM) on board the C/NOFS satellite and collocated ionosonde observations were used to examine the
background ionospheric conditions. Our study shows that the periodic EPBs were present in those longitudes
where periodic wave structure in the E × B drift and elevated F layer were observed. In this case study, the
comprehensive analysis using the observations from radars and satellite data provides a better understanding on
the longitudinal preference of the EPB occurrence and its responsible background mechanisms. This
understanding of the onset location and background conditions of EPBs over a large longitudinal area for an
extended period can contribute to the development of accurate EPB forecasting models, which are essential to
mitigate the detrimental effects of EPBs on communication and navigation systems.
