Rayleigh-Taylor Instability Growth Rate Estimated Using WAM-IPE

The simplify expression for Rayleigh-Taylor (R-T) growth rate is derived for direct estimation using the coupled Whole Atmosphere Model and Ionosphere Plasmasphere Electrodynamic model (WAM-IPE). The result show that the strong R-T growth rate is generated in the uplifting ionosphere structure at the magnetic equator during the post-sunset period. To further investigate the distributions and the variations of the R-T growth rate, the diurnal variation, seasonal variation, and solar activity effect are carried out. The R-T growth rates mainly appear between 1900 LT and 2200 LT, and the magnitude at 284°E is greater than that at 120°E as well as 0°E. During the high solar activity period, the R-T growth rates are more prominent in equinox seasons, and however, the greatest growth rate is found at east Pacific sector in December solstice during low solar activity period.