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Ann. Geophys., 18, 730-739, 2000
www.ann-geophys.net/18/730/2000/
© European Geosciences Union 2000

The equatorial F-layer: progress and puzzles

H. Rishbeth
Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Southampton, Southampton SO17 1BJ, United Kingdom
e-mail: hr@phys.soton.ac.uk

Abstract. This work reviews some aspects of the ionospheric F-layer in the vicinity of the geomagnetic equator. Starting with a historical introduction, brief summaries are given of the physics that makes the equatorial ionosphere so interesting, concentrating on the large-scale structure rather than the smaller-scale instability phenomena. Several individual topics are then discussed, including eclipse effects, the asymmetries of the `equatorial trough', variations with longitude, the semiannual variation, the effects of the global thermospheric circulation, and finally the equatorial neutral thermosphere, including `superrotation' and possible topographic influences.

Keyword: Ionosphere (equatorial ionosphere)

Full Article (PDF, 190 KB)

Citation: Rishbeth, H.: The equatorial F-layer: progress and puzzles, Ann. Geophys., 18, 730-739, 2000.   Bibtex   EndNote   Reference Manager