Instabilities and Irregularities

The dynamics of the ionosphere-thermosphere system are often driven by instability processes involving interactions between charged and neutral particles under the influence of electromagnetic forces. These instabilities give rise to various irregularities in density and temperature, which can significantly impact technical applications such as communication and navigation systems. Irregularities and instabilities occur across a wide range of spatial scales—from small to large—and understanding their generation mechanisms requires a multi-scale, multi-instrument approach. Modeling small-scale dynamics remains particularly challenging, and the group's research contributes to advancing these modeling efforts. Comprehensive observations using such as satellite-based radio systems, ground-based radar, and optical instruments are essential for studying these phenomena. Equally important is the development of fine-scale physical models to deepen our understanding of the underlying processes. This will lead to improved insight into the mechanisms behind ionospheric and thermospheric instabilities, enabling more accurate modeling and prediction. Key focus areas of the work group include: Investigating the generation and evolution of equatorial plasma bubbles, and their connection to thermospheric dynamics. Studying geomagnetic storm-induced irregularities in the auroral ionosphere, which can extend to mid-latitudes during intense storm events.