Impacts of Subauroral Polarization Streams on Storm‐Enhanced Density Plume and Consequently on Polar Tongue of Ionization

Abstract The influences of subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) on storm‐enhanced density (SED) plume and consequently polar tongue ionization (TOI), an important topic in the field magnetosphere‐ionosphere‐thermosphere coupling, however, remain undetermined. Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) with/without empirical SAPS model has been used to investigate impacts local ionosphere‐thermosphere system, which turn affect SED TOI. modeled total electron content ion drift velocities agree reasonably well with observations Global Navigation Satellite System Defense Meteorological Program satellites 17 March 2013. TIEGCM simulations show that can significantly ionospheric‐thermospheric effect reduce afternoon sector enhance noon sector, moves dawnward. SAPS‐induced depletions throat region undergo anti‐sunward convection into cap weaken A term‐by‐term analysis O + continuity equation F‐region shows duskward edge are mainly due increased plasma loss rates because elevated plasma‐neutral temperatures O/N 2 reduction thermosphere upwelling. enhancements near westward E × B transports increment thermospheric downwelling.