Spatial and temporal distributions of ionospheric currents in subsolar elevations

The subsolar elevations of the worldwide part of Sq (WSq) and the equatorial electrojet (EEJ), views of the ionospheric currents from the Sun as the Earth rotates, are presented. The features of the WSq elevation and its intensities are very similar to, and consistent with, those of Matsushita (1968...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of atmospheric and solar-terrestrial physics 1997-10, Vol.59 (15), p.1891-1899
Main Author: Agodi Onwumechili, C.
Format: Article
Language:English
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Summary:The subsolar elevations of the worldwide part of Sq (WSq) and the equatorial electrojet (EEJ), views of the ionospheric currents from the Sun as the Earth rotates, are presented. The features of the WSq elevation and its intensities are very similar to, and consistent with, those of Matsushita (1968). The EEJ current system has a focus at about 3° dip latitude; the intensity of the return current is greatest between 5° and 6° dip latitude, and extends to about 12° dip latitude. The physical mechanisms of the return current of the EEJ and its features are described briefly. It is demonstrated from the POGO data that the return current of the EEJ completely annuls its forward current within the confines of its latitudinal extent of about 12° dip latitude. The electric fields that drive all parts of the EEJ current circuit are given.
ISSN:1364-6826
1879-1824
DOI:10.1016/S1364-6826(97)00021-7