A study of Sq(H) variations over equatorial electrojet regions

Abstract

The newly established geomagnetic field observations in Japan, have enabled us to analyse the 1998 data of Huancayo, Kiritimati (Christmas Island) and Pohnpei where the geomagnetic Sq(H) variations of equatorial electrojet have been studied. The diurnal variation of the monthly means of Sq(H) on the five international quiet days showed mostly expected diurnal variation of equatorial electrojet regions as well as some abnormal variations. Seasonal variation with equinoctial maxima and solstial minima was also observed from the analysis. The presence of equinoctial maxima is likely to be due to enhanced equatorial electron density and the electric field at equinox. The day to day variability may be attributed to electric field, a dawn to dusk phenomenon.

Keywords: Equatorial electrojet, seasonal variation, amplitude, abnormal variation and solar quiet day variation


Nigerian Journal of Physics Vol. 18 (1) 2006: pp. 45-52