The Polarity Oscillations of the Equatorial Electrojet in Response to the Geomagnetic Storm on 1 December 2023

Abstract

The moderate geomagnetic storm on 1 December 2023 is interesting that the aurora is unexpectedly observed in Beijing. During this storm, the behaviors of the equatorial electrojet (EEJ) might deserve to be explored. When the polarization of the daytime electric field changes westward, the direction of EEJ turns westward as well, termed the counter electrojet (CEJ). Using the total electron content from Global Navigation Satellite System, observed EEJ from Tatuoca station and low-orbit Swarm satellites, and the corresponding simulations from the Thermosphere-Ionosphere Electrodynamic General Circulation Model, the polarization oscillations of EEJ responses (ΔEEJ) during the geomagnetic storm on 1 December 2023 are explored. A significant polarity oscillation is established in the Swarm-observed ΔEEJ at 9.6 and 12.8 local time (LT). A similar oscillation is also found at 15 LT. The strong polarity oscillations of ΔEEJ are dominated by the electric field, with ignorable effects from the ionospheric Cowling conductivity. The correlation coefficient between ΔEEJ and electric field changes (ΔE) is larger than 0.87, confirming the roles of the electric field. In the pre-noon sector, the quasi-oscillations of ΔEEJ are controlled by both the neutral winds and the prompt penetration electric field (PPEF). At noon, ΔEEJ is primarily driven by the PPEF, with minor effects from neutral winds. At afternoon, ΔEEJ is attributed to the PPEF, and the effects of neutral winds are ignorable.