Morphological Characteristics of Equatorial Ionization Anomaly Crest Over Nanning Region. Issue 1 (9th January 2018)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Mo, X. H.; Zhang, D. H.; Liu, J.; Hao, Y. Q.; Ye, J. F.; Qin, J. S.; Wei, W. X.; Xiao, Z.
• Is Part Of: Radio science. Volume 53:Issue 1(2018)
• Page Start: 37
• Page End: 47
• Publication Date: 2018-01-09
• Subjects: ionosphere -- equatorial ionization anomaly -- equatorial electrojet -- location of EIA crest; Radio meteorology -- Periodicals; Radio wave propagation -- Periodicals; 621.38405
• DOI: 10.1002/2017RS006386
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0048-6604

Abstract

Abstract: Using the ionospheric total electron content (TEC) and the location of the equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) crest derived from GPS data observed at Nanning (22.84°N, 108.33°E, dip latitude ~ 12.14°N), China, a GPS station situated near the daytime EIA crest region, the local time, seasonal, and solar cycle variations of EIA crests from 2006 to 2015 was investigated. The TEC and the magnetic latitude (MLAT) location of EIA crest experience an ascendant and descendant process with the daytime evolution of EIA crest. Also, this diurnal variation of EIA crest depends on season and solar cycle. The TEC and MLAT location of EIA crest is stronger and higher in equinoctial months than that in solistial months showing a semiannual variation. The TEC and MLAT location of EIA crest increase with the solar activity. The local time, seasonal, and solar cycle variations of EIA crest is consistent with that of the strength of equatorial electrojet (EEJ). Comparatively, the correlation of the EEJ strength with the EIA location is better than that with the TEC of EIA crest. Plain Language Summary: The equatorial ionization anomaly (EIA) is the special structure in Earth ionosphere; the variation of this structure is important for ionospheric space weather. Using the daytime EIA crest derived from GPS data observed at Nanning (22.84°N, 108.33°E) from 2006 to 2015, China, the local time, seasonal, and solar activity variations of EIA crests were investigated. The EIA strength and location experience an ascendant and descendant process with the diurnal development of EIA crest. This diurnal variation of EIA crest depends on season and solar activity. The strength and location of EIA crest are stronger and higher in equinoctial months than in solistial months showing a clear semiannual variation. The strength and location of EIA crest increase with the solar activity. The diurnal, seasonal, and solar activity variations of EIA crest are consistent with that of the strength of equatorial electrojet. Comparatively, the correlation of the EIA location with EEJ is better than that of EIA crest strength. Key Points: The TEC and the location of EIA crest experience an ascendant and descendant process with the daytime evolution of EIA crest The local time, seasonal, and solar cycle variations of EIA crest are consistent with that of the strength of equatorial electrojet (EEJ) The correlation of the EIA location with EEJ strength is better than the TEC of EIA crest