Modeling the relationship between E × B vertical drift and the time rate of change of hmF2 (ΔhmF2/Δt) over the magnetic equator

Abstract

A middle and low latitude ionospheric model is used to model the relationship between E × B vertical drift velocity and time rate of change of hmF2 (ΔhmF2/Δt) over the magnetic equator. F107 (10.7 cm solar radiation flux) is chosen to be equal to 100, 150, and 200 to represent low, middle, and high solar activities, respectively, and Ap is equal to 1 to represent quiet geomagnetic activity. Our simulations show that hmF2 derived vertical drifts over the magnetic equator are in good agreement with the E × B vertical drift imposed in the model during 0600–0730 and 1700–2100 LT. This is consistent with previous comparisons between vertical drift velocities derived from ionosonde, Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar, and AE‐E observations well. However, the amplitudes of hmF2 derived drift are smaller than the given drift velocities during other local times. During disturbed conditions, the variations of hmF2 can be used to determine the occurrence of intense electric field disturbance.