Lunar tide in the equatorial F region vertical ion drift velocity

Abstract

Vertical ion drift velocity data from Jicamarca have been analyzed for a lunar semidiurnal tide using a least squares fitting method. Amplitudes of up to 6 m s−1 are obtained with phases in agreement with lunar tidal determinations of other associated physical parameters. Variations between season, solar activity, and day to night are also examined. Generally, amplitudes are larger in the southern summer. Much of the phase variation with season is very similar for solar maximum and minimum years. There is a summer to winter phase change that is most distinct at solar maximum nighttime. A day‐to‐night phase reversal can also been seen in some seasons. Hints of this are also found in the lunar tide in the F region height and in the magnetic variations at Huancayo.