Analysis of the north–south asymmetry of the equatorial ionization anomaly around 110°E longitude

• Published in: Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics 2013-09, Vol.102, p.354-361
• Main Authors: Huang, Linfeng, Huang, Jiang, Wang, Jinsong, Jiang, Yong, Deng, Baichang, Zhao, Kai, Lin, Guoguo
• Format: Article
• Language: English
• Subjects: Equatorial ionization anomaly; North–south asymmetry; Solar activity
• ISSN: 1364-6826; 1879-1824
• DOI: 10.1016/j.jastp.2013.06.010

The north–south asymmetry of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) is studied using the total electron content (TEC) data measured by GPS observations from the network of International GNSS Service (IGS) in the 110°E longitude sector for more than a solar cycle term from 2000 to 2011. In this paper, we focus on the hemispheric asymmetry between the northern and southern crest regions of EIA during the geomagnetic quiet periods. The parameters of EIA crest obtained from the TEC profiles in daytime for different conditions of solar activity have been used to study the solar cycle variations of EIA in the Southeast Asian region. The season hereinafter referred to the northern hemisphere except stated otherwise. Results show that the strength, latitudinal and occurrence time position of EIA crest are found to be asymmetric about the magnetic equator. During high solar activity the strength of northern crest is generally greater than that of the southern crest all the months, especially in the winter months. It is also found that the latitude and occurrence time position of EIA crest show a hemispheric asymmetry because (a) During low solar activity the northern crest of EIA moves equatorward in winter and the southern crest moves equatorward in summer and poleward in winter, while during high solar activity the southern crest moves slightly equatorward in summer, and (b) During low solar activity the occurrence time of northern crest is ∼1h later in winter and ∼2h earlier in summer than that of southern crest; During high solar activity the northern crest appears ∼1h earlier only from June to August. The conditions of solar activity have a significantly effect on EIA crest and the north–south asymmetry. These phenomena can be explained by a combined theory of the transequatorial neutral wind, the subsolar point and the auroral equatorward wind. Meanwhile, the condition of the solar activity should be considered. •This work main focus is the north–south asymmetry of the EIA.•This research topic covers over the solar cycle period from 2000 to 2011.•A period of 12 years has been considered to differentiate the conditions of solar activity.•The solar activity dependence of the north–south asymmetry has been analyzed in detail.