Title | The day-to-day longitudinal variability of the global ionospheric density distribution at low latitudes during low solar activity |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2013 |
Authors | Pacheco, EE, Yizengaw, E |
Journal | Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics |
Volume | 118 |
Issue | 4 |
Pagination | 1813 - 1823 |
Date Published | 04/2013 |
Keywords | day-to-day; Ionosphere; longitudinal variability; TEC; wavenumber-4 |
Abstract | One important characteristic of longitudinal variability of the ionosphere is the global wavenumber-4 signature. Recent investigations have focused mainly on the climatological pattern during daytime and evening sectors. We investigate the day-to-day variability of the wavenumber-4 structure of the longitudinal ionospheric density distribution using the global total electron content (TEC) measurements from Global Positioning Systems receivers on the ground. The quiet time (Kp ≤ 3) day-to-day occurrence of the wavenumber-4 is obtained during periods of low solar flux conditions for the years 2008 and 2009. We find that the wavenumber-4 structure occurs at all local time sectors; however, the daytime TEC wavenumber-4 structures are clearer and can persist until the midnight hours. The most significant occurrence is observed during the 1000–2400 LT sector while the minimum number of wavenumber-4 structure is observed between the 0400 and 0600 LT sector. Around the nighttime sector, more wavenumber-4 occurrence is observed during the premidnight sector than the postmidnight hours. The seasonal occurrence probability of the wavenumber-4 pattern is at a maximum during the March–April equinox and June–July solstice. December–January is the period when the wavenumber-4 occurrence is less dominant than the rest of the year. |
URL | http://doi.wiley.com/10.1002/jgra.50241 |
DOI | 10.1002/jgra.50241 |
Short Title | J. Geophys. Res. Space Physics |
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