Abstract:

This work has investigated the seasonal and universal time (UT) variation of the occurrence frequency and magnetic latitude (MLat) of SAPS in both hemispheres by using DMSP particle observations. It is found: (1) SAPS tend to occur mostly at equinox seasons, showing strong magnetic activity dependence. (2) SAPS tend to occur secondly in winter, which may be related to substorm processes. (3) Ionospheric conductivity has important influences on SAPS occurrence, with more occurrence at lower conductivity. (4) SAPS tend to shift equatorward with low ionospheric conductivity.

Key words: DMSP