All Physics Faculty Publications
Low latitude ionospheric electrodynamics
Document Type
Article
Journal/Book Title/Conference
Space Science Review
Volume
158
Publisher
Springer
Publication Date
2011
First Page
145
Last Page
166
Abstract
The low latitude ionosphere is strongly affected by several highly variable electrodynamic processes. Over the last two decades ground-based and satellite measurements and global numerical models have been extensively used to study the longitude-dependent climatology of low latitude electric fields and currents. These electrodynamic processes and their ionospheric effects exhibit large ranges of temporal and spatial variations during both geomagnetic quiet and disturbed conditions. Numerous recent studies have investigated the short term response of equatorial electric fields and currents to lower atmospheric transport processes and solar wind-magnetosphere driving mechanisms. This includes the large electric field and current perturbations associated with arctic sudden stratospheric warming events during geomagnetic quiet times and highly variable storm time prompt penetration and ionospheric disturbance dynamo effects. In this review, we initially describe recent experimental and numerical modeling results of the global climatology and short term variability of quiet time low latitude electrodynamic plasma drifts. Then, we examine the present understanding of equatorial electric field and current perturbation fields during periods of enhanced geomagnetic activity.
Recommended Citation
Fejer, B. G., Low latitude ionospheric electrodynamics, Space Sci. Rev., 158, 145-166, doi:10.10007/s11214-010-9690-7, 2011.
