Vertical ionization drifts in the lower equatorial ionosphere and the meridional current systems

Abstract

Recent radar observations near the magnetic equator show that the electron vertical drift velocity below 200 km is upward during the day and downward at night, in agreement with measurements made at higher heights. The electron vertical drifts are consistent with meridional current theories. According to the theories the ion vertical drifts must be somewhat larger than the electron drifts to produce the predicted current system.