Time and spatial variations of the foF2(night)/foF2(day) values

Abstract

The ratio of daytime and nighttime values of the foF2 critical frequency is analyzed on the basis of the data of 35 ionospheric stations of the eastern hemisphere and 7 stations of the western hemisphere. The analysis confirms the results of Danilov [Danilov, A.D. Variations in the ratio of nighttime and daytime critical frequencies of the F2 layer. Geomagn. Aeronomy, 47 (6), 551–561 (in Russian) 2007; Danilov, A.D. Time and spatial variations in the ratio of nighttime and daytime critical frequencies of the F2 layer, J. Atmos. Sol-Terr. Phys. 70, 1201–1212, 2008.] that after about 1980, a systematic behavior of this ratio with time is observed: an increase with time (a positive trend) or a decrease with time (a negative trend). The sign of this trend is shown to be governed by the signs of the magnetic declination D and magnetic inclination I at the given ionospheric station. This fact makes it possible to assume that the above indicated trend is caused by long-term variations in the zonal component V ny of the horizontal wind in the thermosphere, the latter component contributing into the vertical drift velocity W.