Low-latitude zonal and vertical ion drifts seen by DE 2

Journal Article · Thu Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1989 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA094iA06p06751· OSTI ID:5940049

Coley, W R; Heelis, R A

Horizontal and vertical ion drift data from the DE 2 spacecraft have been used to determine average zonal and vertical plasma flow (electric field) characteristics in the /plus minus/26/degree/ dip latitude region during a time of high solar activity. The data base consists of over 800 equatorial passes. Horizontal ion drift data were projected along magnetic field lines to the magnetic equator,using a dipole model to yield their apex height dependence. The 'average data' local time profile for an apex height bin centered at 400 km indicates westward plasma flow from 0600 to 1900 solar local time (SLT) with a maximum westward velocity of 80 m/s in the early afternoon. There is a sharp change to eastward flow at approximately 1900 hours with an early evening peak of 170 m/s. A secondary nighttime maximum exists a 0430 SLT preceeding the reversal to westward flow. This profile is in good agreement with Jicamarca radar measurements made under similar solar maximum conditions. Harmonic analysis indicates a net superrotation which is strongest at lower apex altitudes. The diurnal term is dominant, but higher order terms through th quatradiurnal are significant. Vertical ion data taken at low (/plus minus/5/degree/) dip latitudes, while possessing greater scatter, generally agree wtih Jicamarca values. /copyright/ American Geophysical Union 1989

• Research Organization: Center for Space Sciences, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson (US)
• OSTI ID: 5940049
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 94:A6; 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
DATA ANALYSIS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC FIELDS
EXPLORER SATELLITES
F REGION
ION DRIFT
IONOSPHERE
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
RADAR
RANGE FINDERS
SATELLITES
SOLAR ACTIVITY
VELOCITY