Abstract

This work investigates the response of the equatorial thermospheric wind jet to the temporal oscillation of the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field using Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model simulations and CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload observations.... Show moreThis work investigates the response of the equatorial thermospheric wind jet to the temporal oscillation of the Bz component of the interplanetary magnetic field using Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model simulations and CHAllenging Minisatellite Payload observations. The thermospheric wind jet is formed in the magnetic equatorial region with the strongest zonal winds. Both the morning westward jet and the nighttime eastward wind jet at the dip equator decrease during the oscillation periods of IMF Bz. Ion drag dominates the deceleration of the equatorial eastward wind jet in the nighttime, with a minor contribution from the viscous force. The relative motion between the ions and neutrals has a dominant influence on the ion drag at the 60-180 degrees W and 107-180 degrees E geographic longitude; at other longitudes, both relative velocity (Delta velocity) and electron density changes (Delta Ne) are dominant. Moreover, the decrease in the equatorial eastward wind jet at 20 magnetic local time, which is also driven by ion drag, is significant above 270 km. The generation of the equatorial westward wind jet disturbance is significantly influenced by Delta velocity at all altitudes, whereas Delta Ne becomes important below 450 km. Show less