Comparison of two views on the structure of ionospheric currents

Abstract

There are two views on the structure of ionospheric currents, here symbolized as VIEW 1 and VIEW 2. The essential difference between them is that VIEW I supports the existence of two ionospheric current layers in the dip equatorial zone as measured by many rockets (Onwumechili,1992b,c). Contrary to the rocket measurements, VIEW 2 believes that ionospheric currents in the dip equatorial zone flow in only one current layer. This paper presents 11 relevant experimental results for explanations by VIEW 1 and VIEW 2 side by side. After reviewing many papers on related topics and judging the performances of the two views, it emerges that VIEW 2 is conjectural and has feasibility problems. On the other hand, VIEW 1 is based on observational results, and it simply and naturally explains the experimental results.

Key words: ionospheric currents, current layers, magnetic dip equator, abnormal phase quiet days, counter equatorial eletrojet.


(Global Journal of Pure and Applied Sciences: 2003 9(2): 273-302)