Global variations of the POGO electrojet parameters during the solstices
Abstract
The method developed by Onwumechili and Agu (1981) for the determination of the equatorial electrojet parameters, i.e., the half-width w, the eastward intensity J(0-), and total eastward current I(+), was applied to POGO satellite data for two solstitial seasons, including morning data, covering the entire 360 deg longitudes round the earth. This coverage shows that the J(0) and I(+) parameters vary considerably with longitude, unlike the w parameter, which remains fairly constant throughout the globe. In confirmation of the equinoctial results of Onwumechili and Agu, it was found that, apart from the expected maxima in J(0) and I(+) around a longitude 280 deg E, subsidiary maxima also occur at about 100 deg E and 190 deg E. It is suggested that the longitudinal variations in J(0) and I(+) may arise from the longitudinal differences in conductivities, wind systems, and, possibly, changes in electric field at the electrojet altitudes.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geomagnetism and Geoelectricity
- Pub Date:
- 1987
- DOI:
- 10.5636/jgg.39.625
- Bibcode:
- 1987JGG....39..625O
- Keywords:
-
- Equatorial Electrojet;
- Geomagnetism;
- Pogo;
- Solstices;
- Daytime;
- Electric Fields;
- Variability