Vertical drift velocities and east-west electric fields at the magnetic equator

TLDR

Vertical drifts directly measure east‑west electric fields at the magnetic equator. The study examines how geomagnetic activity affects vertical drifts. Vertical drifts were measured using incoherent scatter observations at Jicamarca. Vertical drifts are nearly constant with height and exhibit distinct daily and seasonal variations.

Abstract

Incoherent scatter observations of vertical drifts taken at Jicamarca (2° dip) are presented. Vertical drifts are found to be nearly constant as a function of height. These vertical drifts can also be taken as a direct measurement of the east-west electric fields at the magnetic equator. Their daily and seasonal behavior is presented. The effect of geomagnetic activity is discussed.