Abstract We report results from SAMI3/WACCM‐X simulations that small‐scale (∼ ${\sim} $few 100 km) longitudinal variations in the meridional wind provide seeds to initiate equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs). The meridional wind variations generate variations in the ion density along the magnetic field via ion‐neutral collisions. This in turn leads to longitudinal variations in the Pedersen conductivity and conductance producing localized E × ${\times} $ B drifts that can initiate EPBs. The spatial dependence of the meridional wind variations can also determine the longitudinal spacing of EPBs.
Observations from the Little Bunker
Last updated: January 27, 2026 06:22 PM
Atmospheric CO₂
428.6 ppm
+17.4
ppm/year
Atmospheric CH₄
1940.59 ppb
+-0.24
ppb/year
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Peak: +1.73°C
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