Modeling ionospheric super-fountain effect based on the coupled TIMEGCM-SAMI3

Recently, efforts have been undertaken to develop a coupled thermosphere-ionosphere-plasmasphere model based on two well-established models, namely, the Thermosphere-Ionosphere-Mesosphere General Circulation Model (TIMEGCM) developed at the National Center for Atmospheric Research and the SAMI3 ionosphere model developed at the Naval Research Laboratory. This paper presents the first results from the coupled model on the investigation of a prompt penetration electric field (PPEF) event that took place on 9 November 2004. The coupled model eliminates two major upper boundary limitations of the stand-alone TIMEGCM, e.g., the upper boundary height and the prescribed O+ fluxes at the upper boundary. It is found that the F-layer peak height is raised above 800 km in response to the large PPEF. The O+ fluxes in the top ionosphere vary drastically during the course of the PPEF, with strong upward and downward fluxes with a magnitude greater than 109 cm−2 s−1 in localized regions. For the first time, the coupled model allows us to simulate and visualize the super-fountain effect on a global scale. Future model development is also envisaged, including the implementation of a more realistic magnetic field model and a fully two-way coupling between neutrals and ions.