Work

Global Impacts of Ultra‐Low‐Frequency Waves: 1. Thermospheric Responses and Traveling Atmospheric Disturbances

Year: 2026

Type: article

Abstract: Ultra‐low‐frequency (ULF) waves cause local Thermosphere‐Ionosphere (T‐I) perturbations, but their impacts on the global T‐I system including the generation of Traveling Atmospheric Disturbances (TADs) have never been evaluated. The mechanisms responsible for the TAD generation and propagation, whether through dynamic or thermal process, are not clear either. We present a model study of ULF wave impacts on the thermosphere using the Thermosphere‐Ionosphere‐Electrodynamics General Circulation Model. The model results indicate that ULF waves can trigger globally propagating TADs at ∼810 m/s. Thermal processes are the main driver for the TAD generation and propagation, with Joule heating and adiabatic processes taking effects inside the TAD source region, and adiabatic processes and heat conduction being the dominant processes outside. Model results also show that TAD propagation is almost independent of seasonal effects. This study reveals the physical connections between magnetospheric ULF waves and thermospheric disturbances for the first time.

Source: Geophysical Research Letters

DOI: 10.1029/2025gl119835

Authors: Haonan Wu, Wenbin Wang, Xueling Shi, Dong Lin, Michael D. Hartinger, Joseph B. H. Baker, Shibaji Chakraborty

Institutions: NSF National Center for Atmospheric Research, NSF NCAR High Altitude Observatory, Clemson University, Virginia Tech, Space Science Institute, University of California, Los Angeles, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Daytona Beach Florida Campus, Embry–Riddle Aeronautical University

Language: English

Topic: Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics

Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics

Field: Physics and Astronomy

Domain: Physical Sciences

Open Access status: gold

Estimated APC paid: $3,190

Funders: National Science Foundation, National Aeronautics and Space Administration, Nuclear Safety and Security Commission

Awards: G1019976694, Collaborative Research: Dipole Tilt Effect on Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability and Its Associated Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Signatures, G2822371562, Collaborative Research: Dipole Tilt Effect on Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability and Its Associated Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Signatures, G3481798643, G3746634629, G3764589897, FDSS Track 1: Integrating Research and Education in Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Atmosphere Coupling at Clemson University, G3994111646, Collaborative Research: NSFGEO-NERC:Conjugate Experiment to Investigate Sources of High-Latitude Magnetic Perturbations in Coupled Solar Wind-Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Ground System, G4976935830, G6687768181, Collaborative Research: Dipole Tilt Effect on Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability and Its Associated Ionospheric and Geomagnetic Signatures

OpenAlex ID: W7135095124

FWCI: 3.12

Cites: 31

Cited by: 1

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