Equatorial Electrojet Control of the Low Latitude Ionosphere

Abstract

The role of the equatorial electrojet on the distribution of ionization at low latitudes has been discussed using mult-location Total Electron Content (TEC) data obtained through the radio beacon signals from the geostationary satellite ATS-6 and from ground-based ionosonde data. It has been found that the electrojet has a pronounced influence on TEC at latitudes extending from equator to as high as 25°N dip latitude. It is suggested that ionosphere-to-plasmasphere ionization flow plays an important role in understanding the behaviour of the equatorial TEC. © 1980, Society of Geomagnetism and Earth, Planetary and Space Sciences. All rights reserved.