Altitude and latitude dependence of the equatorial electrojet
Abstract
A self-consistent and high-resolution dynamo model is used to investigate the effects of day-to-day or seasonal variation of altitude and latitude profiles of the E-plasma density in the equatorial ionosphere on equatorial electrojet (EEJ) structure. Variations in the E-layer peak altitude and amplitude are shown to significantly affect EEJ structure. The results indicate that, for any shape, the EEJ peak appears at or below the E-layer peak altitude. Distinct double peaks occur in the EEJ structure if the E-layer peak is above 105 km or if the gradient is large. The effect of the latitudinal variation of the integrated conductivities of ionospheric field lines upon the amplitude and altitude of the EEJ peak is discussed.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
- Pub Date:
- July 1988
- DOI:
- 10.1016/0021-9169(88)90062-1
- Bibcode:
- 1988JATP...50..639S
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Models;
- E Region;
- Electrojets;
- Equatorial Atmosphere;
- Atmospheric Circulation;
- Ionospheric Currents;
- Plasma Density;
- Sporadic E Layer