STUDY ON AUTOMATED DETECTION OF EQUATORIAL PLASMA BUBBLES EPB

A processing application has been developed to detect and characterize localized plasma decreases: Equatorial plasma bubbles. The algorithm used is based on an automated search for negative STEC variations during a GPS satellite passage. First, an example of detection is shown. The method used has been applied to available data from seven (7) stations in West Africa, and the results over several years of measurements are presented. A study of spatial behavior was also carried out. The results show that the location of EPB bubbles depends on magnetic position. Bubbles are more present near the position of the North and South Equatorial Anomaly (EIA) ridges, but exist near the magnetic equator. Beyond 30° of inclination, bubbles are rarely present. The study of EPB characteristics also revealed durations mostly between 10 and 25 min, and maximum depths between 5 and 25 TECU.