Abstract
The continuity equation of electron density is solved for the conditions of the F2 region at low latitude along 69°W meridian in the equinox of high solar activity. The transport term includes the electromagnetic drift observed at Jicamarca, the plasma diffusion, the vertical motion due to thermal expansion and contraction, and the neutral wind for which the direction reversal in the morning is rather late. The large‐scale irregularity which forms a bifurcated F2 layer is generated at the geomagnetic equator and travels as far as 15° latitude with a speed of about 10 km min−1. Other features of this bifurcation and the probable mechanism of its formation are described. The height of maximum electron density is strongly controlled by the electromagnetic drift at very low latitude from 0700 to midnight. The computation also shows that the large postsunset peak of NmF2 at a subtropical region is caused by the rapid sunset increase of upward drift at the equator. The late reversal of neutral wind favors the observed diurnal pattern of NmF2. Other effects of neutral wind and that of loss rate on the low latitude ionosphere are discussed.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
