Effect of Lower Atmospheric Gravity Waves on Equatorial Electric Fields

The Earth's equatorial ionosphere is driven by electric fields, neutral winds and diffusive drifts along field lines. These ionospheric drivers produce the equatorial ionization anomaly. In addition, tides and gravity waves propagating up from the lower atmosphere perturb the dynamo electric field and modify the plasma dynamics. We have conducted simulations of the effects of upward propagating gravity waves specifically. Both planar gravity waves and those generated by convective sources have been considered. The emphasis is on the gravity wave seeding mechanism of plasma plumes associated with equatorial spread F. Different gravity wave perturbations and seasonal conditions were considered. Preliminary results will be presented.