Equatorial zonal electric fields inferred from a 3-D electrostatic potential model and ground-based magnetic field measurements

Author(s)

Shume, E. B. ; de Paula, E. R. ; Maus, S. ; Hysell, D. L. ; Rodrigues, F. S. ; Bekele, A.

• Document type: Journal article
• Source: JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS; v. 114, p. 7-pg., 2009-06-06.

Abstract

We present a new technique to infer quiet time zonal electric fields in the daytime equatorial ionosphere. The electric field inference technique utilizes a three-dimensional (3-D) electrostatic potential model of the low-latitude ionosphere constrained by ground-based magnetic field measurements. To test this technique, inferred zonal electric fields for the Peruvian sector in Jicamarca (11.95 degrees S, 283.13 degrees E, 0.6 degrees N dip latitude) were compared with zonal electric field (vertical drift) measurements made by the Jicamarca Incoherent Scatter Radar. The comparison shows a good agreement between the inferred and measured electric fields. An example of electric field estimation for Davao (7.4 degrees N, 125.4 degrees E, 0.58 degrees S dip latitude) in the Philippines sector is also presented in this report. Inferred electric fields for Davao are in good agreement with F region vertical plasma drifts measured by drift sensors onboard the AE-E and ROCSAT-1 satellites on that longitude sector. Our results suggest that realistic estimates of quiet time zonal electric fields for the equatorial ionosphere can be obtained from the 3-D potential model whenever observatory magnetic field measurements are available. (AU)

• FAPESP's process: 07/08185-9 - Multi-instrument and modeling investigation of the equatorial electrojet and 150 km echo plasma irregularities in the Brazilian sector
• Grantee: Esayas Belay Shume
• Support Opportunities: Scholarships in Brazil - Post-Doctoral