Seasonal variations of L equivalent current systems

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA089iA01p00285· OSTI ID:6673904

Matsushita, S; Xu, W

Equivalent ionospheric current systems of the lunar daily geomagnetic variations during a solar active period are estimated from geomagnetic data for three seasons and the yearly average. The external current intensity ratio in summer over winter is 1.4 6.0 for the diurnal current, 1.3--3.7 for the semidiurnal current, and 1.3 4.1 for the combined current of the first four harmonics. Also, the phase of the current in local winter frequently shifts, to a large extent, relative to the yearly average current system. This anomalous behavior during solstitial months, particularly in winter, is caused by lunar tidal wind variations. It is emphasized that the L current flows mainly at the ionospheric E region which is same as for the Sq current.

• Research Organization: High Altitude Observatory, National Center for Atmospheric Research
• OSTI ID: 6673904
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 89:A1; 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
DAILY VARIATIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRONIC CIRCUITS
EQUIVALENT CIRCUITS
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
IONOSPHERE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MOON
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
SATELLITES
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
SOLAR ACTIVITY
TIDE
VARIATIONS