A model using photochemistry and transport due to electric fields and gravity wave winds has been used to explain the formation of ionisation layers observed over an equatorial station Thumba (dip 0°47′S) with rocket-borne Langmuir probes during two daytime counter-electrojet periods. These layers were seen as blanketing E s -layers with an ionosonde at Thumba. Convergence of the metallic ions due to three-dimensional gravity wave winds and a westward electric field appears to be mainly responsible for the observed ionisation layer over the equator.
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