Two-dimensional structure of equatorial plasma bubble observed using GPS networks in South East Asia region

Abstract

Malaysia is located at equatorial region, which is from 3° to 8° South of the magnetic equator where equatorial plasma bubbles (EPBs) frequently occur. EPBs could disrupt radio communication and navigational systems in this region. We present the two-dimensional structure of EPBs observed using GPS networks over South East Asia (SEA) near the equatorial region. 59 days with EPB structure were observed using GPS networks in 2011. The results show that; 1) the initial EPBs onset time occurs mostly after post-sunset between 1900 to 2100 local time (LT); 2) the duration of the occurrences of EPB is mostly from 3 to 6 hours; 3) the GPS networks in SEA region are able to observe east-west size of EPBs from 50 km to 650 km with accuracy +/- 50 km.