Abstract
Invoking recent satellite observations of the planetary-scale variations of auroral forms, as well as direct satellite observation of polar upper atmospheric winds during magnetic storms, we suggest that substorms may be a source of planetary waves of frequency intermediate between the Rossby and acoustic-gravity regimes. The zonal wavenumber of such waves is approximately 3–6; therefore, their propagation is strongly affected by the Coriolis force. Interpretation of worldwide traveling ionospheric disturbances in terms of meridional propagation of these waves is discussed.
