Total electron content and its variations in the auroral-zone ionosphere during winter

Abstract

Ionospheric electron content in the auroral and subauroral zone during winter has been determined from the differential Doppler measurements of radio signals from the satellite 1963-38C. The latitudinal variations of the electron content show a regular pattern on quiet days and change markedly during magnetic activity. The observations indicate a systematic pattern of the effect of magnetic disturbance. In general the electron content near 65°N (geographic on College meridian) increases during disturbed periods. The latitudinal distribution also shows a peak near this latitude. The diurnal variation of the electron content during quiet periods shows a secondary maximum at night in the latitude range 65–75°N. This secondary maximum is believed to be caused by precipitation of low-energy electrons.