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Title: On the Magnitude and Variability of Height Gradients in the Equatorial F Region Vertical Plasma Drifts
Abstract

Previous radar studies have shown that magnitude of the vertical component of equatorial ionosphericE×Bplasma drifts can vary significantly with height, even within mainFregion altitudes. These studies, however, were limited to few observation days. In order to properly quantify the height variation of equatorialFregion vertical drifts, we examined 559 days of measurements made by the incoherent scatter radar of the Jicamarca Radio Observatory between the years of 1986 and 2017. From the observed profiles of vertical plasma drifts, we determined the mean behavior and variability of the height gradients as a function of local time and two distinct solar flux conditions (meanF10.7around 80 and 150 SFU). Only observations made under geomagnetically quiet conditions were considered. Our results quantify the enhanced negative height gradients of vertical drifts near sunset that have been reported in the past. More importantly, we also identify and explain an enhancement in positive gradients near sunrise. We discuss the variability of the height gradients in vertical ionosphericE×Bdrifts at main equatorialFregion heights, and the impact of this variability for satellite observations and studies of ionospheric stability and equatorial spreadF.

 
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NSF-PAR ID:
10374908
Author(s) / Creator(s):
 ;  
Publisher / Repository:
DOI PREFIX: 10.1029
Date Published:
Journal Name:
Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics
Volume:
124
Issue:
6
ISSN:
2169-9380
Page Range / eLocation ID:
p. 4916-4925
Format(s):
Medium: X
Sponsoring Org:
National Science Foundation
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