Highlights F3 layer features at a low-latitude region of China are investigated first. Comparison study of F3 layer characteristics under different solar activity conditions. Some physical explanations about the discrepancy of F3 layer for different regions are given.

    Abstract Ionogram observations from the ionosonde at Fuke (9.5°N geomagnetic latitude), a Chinese low latitude station, in 2010–2012 are analyzed to present the features of F3 layer under low and moderate solar activity conditions. Structure of the ionogram, displaying the F3 layer, was more distinct and clear during MSA than LSA periods especially during spring to summer. Start time of occurrence of the F3 layer is about at 0830–0900LT and is approximately the same for LSA and MSA conditions. The average duration time of the F3 layer occurrence was 181min per day under F 10.7 =75 condition, 263min in F 10.7 =99 and 358min in F 10.7 =125, respectively. The differences of h′F2 and h′F3 exhibited obvious semiannual variation observed at Fuke from March 2010 to June 2012 and increased with increasing solar activity. The difference of foF2 and foF3 in the months February, March, September, October and November is less evident in the middle solar activity period 2011–2012 than the low solar activity 2010 and in the other period it shows a slight increase (0.5MHz) or keeps constant. The results show that the solar activity dependence of the F3 layer occurrence at low latitude away from the magnetic equator is different from that at near the magnetic equator.


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    Title :

    F3 layer feature under low and medium solar activity observed at a Chinese low latitude station Fuke


    Contributors:
    Zhu, Zhengping (author) / Chen, Kun (author) / Lan, Jiaping (author) / Sun, Fenglou (author)

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 52 , 3 ; 383-390


    Publication date :

    2013-03-19


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English