Day-to-day variability in ionospheric drifts at Tiruchirapalli in relation to electrojet strength

A comparison of the east-west drift motion of ionospheric E and F-region over Tiruchirapalli (India) with the electrojet strength as determined from ground magnetograms is presented. These include the difference between the ranges at an equatorial station and a station away from equator such as Alibag; high correlations were obtained between the E-W component of drift and various electrojet parameters. Linear relationship is noted for the E-region except in the morning, with drift speed constant at the higher ranges of the electrojet strength. Finally, it was noted that the electrojet strength is positive when the drift speed is zero, indicating simultaneous opposite drift velocities at different altitudes in the dynamo region.