Solar cycle effects on the electric fields in the equatorial ionosphere

Journal Article · Tue Nov 01 04:00:00 UTC 1977 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA082i032p05257· OSTI ID:5331212

Woodman, R F; Rastogi, R G; Calderon, C

The horizontal east-west electric fields in the equatorial F region are estimated by using the vertical electron drift data over Jicamarca, Peru. The reversal of the electric field from west to east near the sunrise hours is not affected by solar cycle, but the evening reversal is found to occur about 1 hour earlier during low-sunspot years. The average value of the electric field magnitude during noon hours is the same for different portions of the solar cycle; however, the day to day variation is larger during years of low solar activity. The postsunset increase of the electric field is characteristic of high-sunspot periods only. Abnormal reversals of the electric field are seen on some occasions during the daytime hours, and these events are associated with the equatorial counter electrojets.

• Research Organization: Max-Planck-Institut fuer Aeronomie, Katlenburg-Lindau, Federal Republic of Germany
• OSTI ID: 5331212
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 82:32; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CURRENTS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROJETS
ELECTRON DRIFT
F REGION
IONOSPHERE
SOLAR CYCLE