Journal of Geophysical Research Space Physics,2009,114, A03305, doi:10.1029/2008JA013675
Influences of geomagnetic fields on longitudinal variations of vertical plasma drifts in the presunset equatorial topside ionosphere

Zhipeng Ren,Weixing Wan,Libo Liu,Roderick A. Heelis,Biqiang Zhao,Yong Wei,Xinan Yue

Abstract

On the basis of the measurements from the ion drift meter on the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program F13 Satellite from 2000 to 2002, the relative longitudinal variations of E × B vertical plasma drifts in the presunset equatorial topside ionosphere at 1745 LT are examined. Obvious influences of geomagnetic fields on longitudinal variations of E × B vertical plasma drifts, which also show a seasonal dependence, have been found. During the June solstice, the relative vertical plasma drifts is most significantly influenced by the geomagnetic field declination. However, the relative vertical plasma drifts during the December solstice more strongly correlates with the geomagnetic field strength. Although the relative vertical plasma drifts during equinox are also influenced by the geomagnetic field declination, an underlying dependence on magnetic field magnitude, as seen in December, is also present.