Unique examples of solar flare effects in geomagnetic H field during partial counter electrojet along CPMN longitude sector

Abstract

Yamazaki et al. (2009) reported two strong negative crochets during midday (solar flares on 8 June 2000, 3 July 2002), along the Circum-pan pacific magnetometers network (CPMN). The association of these with equatorial counter electrojet was doubted and suggestion was made to investigate the cause of these unique events. Present investigations were motivated by their paper. In this paper, detailed examination of geomagnetic data for the two events is made at all stations within 75°E (Indian) and 160°E (western Pacific) longitude sectors. Latitudinal variations of ΔH on 18 June 2000 showed negative gradient towards the dip equator suggesting a partial counter electrojet both in the Indian and CPMN sectors. A partial counter electrojet also existed from morning to 1300 LT in the western Pacific sector on 3 July 2002. There are two current sheets over the equatorial electrojet region, one at higher level flowing eastward associated with global Sq current system and another intense current layer at 107 km, flowing eastward during normal and westward during partial/full counter electrojet periods. Solar flares are likely to affect the electrojet current more strongly as a result of the absorption, in the lower E-region, of the shorter wavelength solar X-rays flare spectrum.