Identifying the Onset Location of Equatorial Plasma Bubbles (EPBs) and Its Relationship With the Background Ionospheric Conditions

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. Key Points The simultaneous observation of EPBs using three radars and C/NOFS satellite over Indian and Southeast Asian longitudes The onset longitude of quasi‐periodic EPBs were estimated over 60° longitude span using radar and satellite observations The onset longitudes of quasi‐periodic EPBs were associated with periodic wave structures in the E × B drift and elevated F layer