|
|
 |
|
|
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 in PDF (190 KB) |
|
|
