Asymmetric DE3 causes WN3 in the ionosphere

This study investigates a mechanism to generate the wavenumber-3 longitude variation in the ionosphere, using the simulations with the Global Coupled Ionosphere Thermosphere Electrodynamics Model, developed by the Institute of Geology and Geophysics, Chinese Academy of Sciences (GCITEM-IGGCAS). Due to the asymmetry of geomagnetic field, the asymmetric Hough mode of diurnal eastward wavenumber-3 (DE3) also produces the WN3 structure in the ionosphere by coupling with the magnetic line. The densities of the neutral mass and the plasmas in the ionosphere are studied in detail. The results show a clear WN3 pattern driven by tide's electro-dynamical coupling. We then conclude that the asymmetric component of the DE3 can also cause the WN3 structure in the ionosphere, which confirms the assumption that more than one source could generate WN3 structure in previous studies.