Spread F modeling over Brazil

Based on a numerical model developed by Carrasco et al. (2014), the dynamics and morphology of ionospheric plasma bubbles for both magnetic hemispheres over Brazil are examined. Observational results show that the post sunset maximum velocity of the pre-reversal vertical drift velocity, VP, has different values at the conjugate points. This information on the asymmetry of the vertical drift or zonal electric field is used in the simulation of bubbles over Brazilian sector. The simulations were conducted considering two different cases: (a) simulation of trans-equatorial bubble neglecting the meridional winds, and (b) considering the effect of meridional winds. In case (a) the bubble development is symmetric in relation to the magnetic equator, while in case (b) we raise the conjecture of a possible asymmetry. The simulation shows that the trans-equatorial bubbles may develop between ±30° of latitude and present internal structures of different sizes and shapes. In addition, three spatial perspectives of the bubbles are displayed, where each perspective reveals interesting aspects of the bubble development.