Abstract In practically all cases, investigators have found it compelling to include westward currents on the flanks of the dip equator in order to fit well the observed dip equatorial magnetic variation profiles. There are three sources of the return currents: the geometry of field lines in the dynamo region, the polarization at the boundaries of enhanced conductivity at the dip equator, and the local neutral winds varying with height. These combine constructively, taking advantage of the peaks of conductivities around 5° dip latitude, to provide for the return currents of practically all the eastward electrojet current. The return currents flow on the flanks of the dip equator from about 3.5° to about 20° dip latitude, in any case not extending beyond the Sq focus. The negative correlation between the width and the intensity of the equatorial electrojet has been confirmed with data derived from physical model, indicating its origin in the return currents. The ionospheric current system so far detected by rockets is essentially in two layers. The intense lower layer including the return currents peaking around 5° dip latitude may be associated with the equatorial electrojet; and the weak upper layer that maintains fairly steady altitude characteristics everywhere may be associated with the worldwide part of the Sq currents.


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    Titel :

    On the return current of the equatorial electrojet


    Beteiligte:

    Erschienen in:

    Erscheinungsdatum :

    01.01.1991


    Format / Umfang :

    11 pages




    Medientyp :

    Aufsatz (Zeitschrift)


    Format :

    Elektronische Ressource


    Sprache :

    Englisch