Authors: Awuor Ochieng Adero, Paul Baki, Peter Kotze, Collins Mito
Affiliations: Department of Physics and Space Science, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, Department of Physics and Space Science, Technical University of Kenya, Nairobi, Kenya, South Africa National Space Agency (SANSA), Hermanus, South Africa, Department of Physics, University of Nairobi, Nairobi, Kenya
Emails: [email protected]
Journal: International Journal of Fundamental Physical Sciences (IJFPS)
Volume: 4, Issue: 4, Pages: 101-104, Date: December, 2014
ISSN: 2231-8186
DOI: https://doi.org/10.14331/ijfps.2014.330072
This paper presents the features of equatorial F-region current systems over Equatorial Africa during nighttime on 05th August 2001, based on CHAMP satellite magnetic field measurements. Current variations were observed across Bx, By, and Bz components, showing significant diamagnetic effects and vertical current densities. The F-region dynamo, gravity dynamo, and plasma pressure gradients are proposed mechanisms. Observed currents occurred near the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly, particularly around -13° latitude. Results suggest current density components reached up to 5 mA/m and show contributions from pre-reversal enhancement, equatorial spread-F, and midnight temperature maxima.
Ionosphere, Equatorial ionosphere, ionospheric current systems, magnetic field