A Study of the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly from Champ Satellite Ion Density Data
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Date
2008-09
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Addis Ababa University
Abstract
The equatorial ionization anomaly and equatorial electrojet are typical plasma dynamic
processes of the equatorial ionosphere. Equatorial ionization anomaly is characterized
as the occurrence of a trough in the ionization concentration at the equator
and crests from about ±150 to ±200 in magnetic latitude in each hemisphere. Equatorial
electrojet, on the other hand, is an intense electric current flowing in the E
region of the ionosphere during the day time to the east direction.
The aim of this thesis is to study the seasonal, longitudinal, latitudinal and early
evening characteristics of the equatorial ionization anomaly. In addition, we have
drawn a tentative relationship between the equatorial ionization anomaly and equatorial
electrojet. To accomplish these purposes, we have analyzed seven years (2000-
2006) of CHAMP Satellite’s ion density and magnetometer (current profiles) data.
The results obtained show that the equatorial ionization anomaly varies rapidly with
latitude as well as with longitude. It also exhibits a day to day and seasonal variation.
The early evening anomaly structures are quite different from the noon times.
In addition, both equatorial ionization anomaly and equatorial electrojet depend on
the solar activity and a strong relationship exists between the two phenomena
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A Study of the Equatorial Ionization