First observational evidence of the modulation of the threshold height h'Fc for the occurrence of equatorial spread F by neutral composition changes

Abstract

In the present study, the seasonal and solar activity variations of the threshold height for equatorial spread F occurrence irrespective of the polarity of the meridional winds during magnetically disturbed period are presented for the first time. The modulation of the seasonal pattern of the threshold height by the seasonal mean O/N2 values is also examined. The Ionosonde data of magnetic equatorial location Trivandrum (8.5°N, 76.5°E) and low latitude station SHAR (13.7°N, 80.2°E) in the Indian longitude sector during equinoxes, winter, and summer seasons of 2002 to 2006 and the corresponding Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics/GUVI (Global Ultra Violet Imager) O/N2 data are used for the study. The important findings that have emerged from this study are (i) the substantial increase of threshold height with magnetic activity for all the seasons and (ii) the modulation of h'Fc by neutral density changes, irrespective of season, solar, or magnetic activity. Key Points Response of h'Fc to magnetic disturbances is delineated Role of neutral dynamics in controlling ESF variability is highlighted Modulation of h'Fc by neutral density with solar, seasonal and magnetic activity ©2013. American Geophysical Union. All Rights Reserved.