The equatorial scintillation belt as observed at Huancayo, Peru

The width of the equatorial scintillation belt has been estimated at Huancayo, Peru, using BE-B and BE-C data of high sunspot number years (1967-1968). The estimated widths at half-height (11 to 22 deg magnetic latitude) are found to be considerably less than that (32 deg) observed at stations in Africa by a similar technique. The narrower width is believed to be a zonal effect. Some zonal differences in scintillation and spread-F phenomena of the equatorial region are discussed in this connection. Histograms showing the sectional lengths of the irregularity clouds as seen by BE-B and BE-C passes are presented. It is found that the lengths vary within wide limits, although short lengths are most frequent.