Investigation of the role of various mechanisms in forming the F2 region of the ionosphere with a two-dimensional model.

In the framework of a two-dimensional model, which takes into account the vertical and meridional transport, the roles of various mechanisms for electron density distribution in the F2 region of the ionosphere are studied: electric fields of magnetospheric origin, thermospheric winds, auroral ionization by precipitating electrons, and fluxes of thermal plasma on the upper boundary. Based on results of this study, three latitudinal zones are distinguished in the Northern Hemisphere for the distribution of electron density, and their characteristics are discussed.