IMF polarity effects on the equatorial ionospheric F-region

Conference · Tue Jan 01 00:00:00 EST 1985 · Adv. Space Res.; (United States)

OSTI ID:6019648

Sastri, J H

An exploratory study is made of the influence, during the equinoxes, of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) sector structure on the ionospheric F-region using ionosonde data from several equatorial stations for a 3-yr period around the 19th sunspot cycle maximum. It is found that, compared with days having positive IMF polarity, the post-sunset increase of h'F near the dip equator and the depth of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) are reduced during the vernal equinox and enhanced during the autumnal equinox on days with negative IMF polarity. Similar trends are also noted in the data for the 20th sunspot cycle maximum, but with reduced amplitude. The systematic changes in the F-region characteristics suggest a modification of the equatorial zonal electric fields in association with the IMF polarity-related changes in the semi-annual variation of geomagnetic activity. 24 references.

• Research Organization: Indian Institute of Astrophysics, Bangalore, India
• OSTI ID: 6019648
• Report Number(s): CONF-8406167-; TRN: 87-025031
• Journal Information: Adv. Space Res.; (United States), Vol. 5:4; Conference: 25. plenary session of COSPAR, Graz, Austria, 25 Jun 1984
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
F REGION
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
EQUATOR
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
IONOSONDES
IONOSPHERE
SOLAR CYCLE
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRONIC EQUIPMENT
EQUIPMENT
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
RADIO EQUIPMENT
VARIATIONS
640201* - Atmospheric Physics- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena