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The equatorial total electron content and shape factorThe diurnal variations of electron content and shape factor observed at an equatorial station during sunspot minimum are shown to be consistent with the electron density profiles observed at Jicamarca during sunspot minimum. The rapid increase in electron content and the shape factor at sunrise results from the EUV production of ionization in the E and F regions. Day-to-day variations in daytime electron content are observed to be quite small at the equator. The evening decrease in the shape factor results from an upward drift of the F region at sunset and the evening decay of the E and bottomside F regions. The nighttime peak or plateau in the shape factor is produced by the slow downward drift of the electron density profile. The deep predawn dip in the shape factor is caused by the main peak of the F layer reaching low altitudes where high loss rates cause a large reduction in ionization below 300 km and very flat electron density profile.
Document ID
19800037021
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Donnelly, R. F.
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder, CO, United States)
Davies, K.
(National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Boulder, CO, United States)
Anderson, D. N.
(NOAA, Space Environment Laboratory, Boulder Colo., United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1979
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 84
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
80A21191
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NASA ORDER S-40048-B
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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