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Abstract
Calculations using the Sheffield University plasmasphere ionosphere model have shown that under certain conditions an additional layer can form in the low latitude topside ionosphere. This layer (the F3 layer) has subsequently been observed in ionograms recorded at Fortaleza in Brazil. It has not been observed in ionograms recorded at the neighbouring station São Luis. Model calculations have shown that the F3 layer is most likely to form in summer at Fortaleza due to a combination of the neutral wind and the EÃB drift acting to raise the plasma. At the location of São Luis, almost on the geomagnetic equator, the neutral wind has a smaller vertical component so the F3 layer does not form.
Highlights
At the magnetic equator the geomagnetic ®eld is horizontal which, together with the daytime east-west electric ®eld, produces a vertical E Â B drift which forces plasma upward at latitudes close to the equator
The aect of the neutral wind and the E Â B drift was investigated, and these studies showed the possibility of an additional layer in the F region at equatorial latitudes between 500 and 700 km altitude
The present results demonstrate the role of a trans-equatorial neutral wind as a necessary condition for the formation of the F3 layer during solar minimum
Summary
At the magnetic equator the geomagnetic ®eld is horizontal which, together with the daytime east-west electric ®eld, produces a vertical E Â B drift which forces plasma upward at latitudes close to the equator. The aect of the neutral wind and the E Â B drift was investigated, and these studies showed the possibility of an additional layer in the F region at equatorial latitudes between 500 and 700 km altitude In these papers this layer was called the G layer. Indirect evidence of the presence of an F3 layer was discussed by Balan and Bailey (1995) These studies were mainly concerned with the aect of the neutral wind on the plasma fountain at three locations to try and determine the relative importance of the declination angle and the displacement of the geographic and magnetic equators in modulating the plasma fountain. The present results demonstrate the role of a trans-equatorial neutral wind as a necessary condition for the formation of the F3 layer during solar minimum
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