Correlations Between Giant Undulations and Plasmapause Configurations

Abstract

In this letter, we report the correlations between giant undulations (GUs) and plasmapause (PP) configurations based on GUs' images and corresponding PP crossings of satellites between 2005 and 2019. Typically, GUs occur when the plasmasphere is eroded to form a thin and sharp PP during the storm main phase and early recovery phase. The thicknesses of the PP are usually comparable with the azimuthal wavelengths of the GUs and are smaller than the radial amplitudes of the GUs. The amplitudes and wavelengths are quasi-proportional to the thicknesses of the PP and are inversely quasi-proportional to the ion density gradients around the PP. The radial centers of GUs are typically aligned with the PP surfaces and their radial geocentric locations show positive correlations for different geomagnetic storms. These results would provide both physical insights and model constrains on the magnetosphere-plasmasphere-ionosphere energy coupling and the generation mechanisms of the GUs and plasmapause surface waves.