Rapid Evolution of Super Equatorial Plasma Bubbles and X‐Pattern EIA Formation During Extreme Storm Conditions on 12 November 2025

Abstract Extreme conditions during storms profoundly alter the evolution of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs), yet the key dynamics remains poorly understood. We document the rapid expansion, contraction, and decay of super EPBs in South America during the 12 November 2025 storm with Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) Bz/By magnitude exceeding ∼50 nT. These EPBs expanded to ∼37° magnetic latitude with pronounced hemispheric and longitudinal asymmetries and westward tilt. Notably, the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crests retracted into an X‐pattern during suppression. We suggest that eastward prompt penetration electric fields (PPEF) driven by strong IMF Bz caused the rapid expansion, while fast equatorward winds (peaking at 488 m/s vs. typically ∼<100 m/s) together with westward PPEF triggered EIA merging and EPB decay. The entire EPB lifecycle unfolded within 3 hrs, considerably faster than previously reported events. Our findings reveal storm‐time mechanisms shaping the low‐latitude ionosphere under extreme conditions and advance understanding crucial for space weather prediction.

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Publication Details

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Published
2026-03-22
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl121182
Primary Topic
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
Type
article
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article

Rapid Evolution of Super Equatorial Plasma Bubbles and X‐Pattern EIA Formation During Extreme Storm Conditions on 12 November 2025

A.R. dos Santos, Hang Liu, Jonas Souza, Anthea Coster et al.
Geophysical Research Letters
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
article

Rapid Evolution of Super Equatorial Plasma Bubbles and X‐Pattern EIA Formation During Extreme Storm Conditions on 12 November 2025

A.R. dos Santos, Hang Liu, Jonas Souza, Anthea Coster, Shasha Zou, Lei Liu, Robert Kerr
article en

Abstract

Abstract Extreme conditions during storms profoundly alter the evolution of equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs), yet the key dynamics remains poorly understood. We document the rapid expansion, contraction, and decay of super EPBs in South America during the 12 November 2025 storm with Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) Bz/By magnitude exceeding ∼50 nT. These EPBs expanded to ∼37° magnetic latitude with pronounced hemispheric and longitudinal asymmetries and westward tilt. Notably, the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crests retracted into an X‐pattern during suppression. We suggest that eastward prompt penetration electric fields (PPEF) driven by strong IMF Bz caused the rapid expansion, while fast equatorward winds (peaking at 488 m/s vs. typically ∼<100 m/s) together with westward PPEF triggered EIA merging and EPB decay. The entire EPB lifecycle unfolded within 3 hrs, considerably faster than previously reported events. Our findings reveal storm‐time mechanisms shaping the low‐latitude ionosphere under extreme conditions and advance understanding crucial for space weather prediction.

Geophysical Research LettersVol. 53(6)
University of Massachusetts Lowell (US), University of Michigan (US), Computational Physics (United States) (US), Instituto Nacional de Pesquisas Espaciais (BR)
Climate action
Openalex Percentile: Top 12%
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
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Rapid Evolution of Super Equatorial Plasma Bubbles and X‐Pattern EIA Formation During Extreme Storm Conditions on 12 November 2025 — A.R. dos Santos, Hang Liu, et al. · Geophysical Research Letters (2026) | TGRS Research Map | TGRS