Modeling the electron temperature distribution in F2 region of high-latitude ionosphere for winter solstice conditions

Abstract

Using the three-dimensional model of the high-latitude ionosphere in Euler variables, which takes into account the mismatch between geographic and geomagnetic poles, we study the behavior of the electron temperature Te in the F2 region as a function of universal time. We present results of the numerical modeling of spatial-temporal distribution of electron temperature in the F2 region for winter solstice, minimum solar activity, and moderate geomagnetic activity. The electron temperature distribution in the F2 region of the high-latitude ionosphere in winter is shown to be characterized by a Te increase in dawn and dusk sectors. Further, the mismatch between the poles leads to regular longitudinal features in Te distribution during Earth’s daily rotation. Thus, at 05 UT, when the Eastern Hemisphere is illuminated, the elevated Te zone is formed only in the dawn sector, and at 17 UT, when the Western Hemisphere is illuminated such zones are observed in both the sectors. We discuss reasons for the formation of the regions with elevated electron temperature depending on the universal time. Results of numerical experiments are compared with similar results obtained with other models.

Keywords

• high-latitude ionosphere
• F2 region
• three-dimensional model
• rate of heating and cooling of electrons and ions
• electron and ion temperatures
• elevated electron temperature regions
• longitudinal features