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At least 19 records

A model equatorial electrojet.

Equatorial electrojet cross section profile, describing longitudinal variations, current density, magnetic field produced and electron drift velocity

EQUATORIAL ELECTROJET

The equatorial electrojet and associated currents as seen in Magsat data

In view of the disagreement between reports of Langel and Estes (1985) and those of other investigators using Nagsat data sets, concerning the evidence for equatorial electrojet and meridional currents in the dawn Magsat data, this paper reexamines the Magsat data for the presence of equatorial electrojet and meridional current in both dawn and dusk local times, using a specially designed method for isolating field variations organized by dip-latitude. It is shown that such fields, if any, at dawn are very weak and do not result in a persistent pattern from longitude to longitude or a pattern consistent with that expected from an electrojet current. On the other hand, fields organized by dip-latitude are clearly present in the dusk data and it is possible to isolate longitudinal and seasonal variations in such fields. Current densities are computed for both the equatorial electrojet and meridional currents and are compared to the current densities and distributions found with recent models of the ionospheric dynamo and equatorial electrojet.

Langel, R. A.

A model equatorial electrojet

Cross-sectional profile determination of equatorial electrojet for various longitudes along dip equator using set of Gauss coefficients for earth's magnetic field

EQUATORIAL ELECTROJET

Westward equatorial electrojet during daytime hours

The phenomenon of the depression of the geomagnetic horizontal field during the daytime hours of magnetically quiet days at equatorial stations is described. These events are generally seen around 0700 and 1600 LT, being more frequent during the evening than the morning hours. The evening events are more frequent during periods of low solar activity and in the longitude region of weak equatorial electrojet currents. The latitudinal extent of the phenomenon is limited to the normal equatorial electrojet region, and on some occasions the phenomenon is not seen at both stations, separated by only a few hours in longitude. During such an event, the latitudinal profile of the geomagnetic vertical field across the equator is reversed, the ionospheric drift near the equator is reversed toward the east, the q type of sporadic E layer is completely absent, and the height of the peak ionization in the F2 region is decreased. It is suggested that these effects are caused by a narrow band of current flowing westward in the E region of the ionosphere and within the latitude region of the normal equatorial electrojet, due to the reversal of the east-west electrostatic field at low latitudes.

Rastogi, R. G.

Comparison of dayside current layers in Venus' ionosphere and earth's equatorial electrojet

The major physical aspects of the equatorial electrojet of Earth and the dayside ionospheric current layers of Venus are compared, viz., the electric current intensity and total current, roles of electric field, pressure and gravity, diffusion time scales, and the Bernouille effect. The largest potential differences, of the order of 10 volts, horizontally across the dayside ionosphere of Venus, have important implications for possible dynamo action in the Venus ionosphere and the application of an electric field from the lower atmosphere or from the solar wind. An upper limit to the horizontal scale of vertical magnetic fields in the Venus ionosphere is estimated thereby for the first time. New upper limits on the velocity in, and thickness of, a possible S layer at Venus are presented. If an S layer exists, it is only for extreme conditions of the solar wind. A mechanism for formation of magnetic ropes in the Venus ionosphere is also proposed.

Cole, Keith D.