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Article
The electrodynamics of the low latitude ionosphere: Recent results and futurechallenges
Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics
  • B. G. Fejer, Utah State University
Document Type
Article
Publisher
Elsevier
Publication Date
1-1-1997
Disciplines
Abstract

Over the last few years, experimental and numerical modeling studies have provided extensive new information on the electrodynamics of the low-latitude ionosphere. Ground-based studies have determined the average seasonal, solar cycle and magnetic effects on the equatorial and low-latitude plasma drifts and thermospheric neutral winds, and their control over the F-region plasma density distribution. Satellite observations have been used, for the first time, to determine the latitudinal and longitudinal dependence of the F-region plasma drifts, and coordinated ground-based measurements have examined the global response of the low-latitude ionosphere to different high latitude forcing conditions. Recent studies have examined the coupling between storm-time thermospheric neutral winds and plasma drifts, and have determined the low-latitude signatures of magnetospheric and ionospheric dynamo electric fields. In this review, we initially examine the present understanding of low-latitude F-region electrodynamics focusing on the large-scale distribution of the ionospheric electric fields and their response to magnetospheric disturbances. We also discuss future initiatives necessary for a more complete understanding of these low-latitude transport processes.

https://doi.org/10.1016/S1364-6826(96)00149-6
Citation Information
Fejer, B. G., The electrodynamics of the low latitude ionosphere: Recent results and future challenges, J. Atmos. Solar-Terr. Phys., 59, 1465, 1997.