Abstract

Recent global-scale observations of the postsunset equatorial O+ airglow bands in the F region ionosphere using the IMAGE FUV and TIMED GUVI have revealed a longitudinal wave number four pattern in the magnetic latitude and concentration of the F region peak ion density when measured at a fixed l... Show moreRecent global-scale observations of the postsunset equatorial O+ airglow bands in the F region ionosphere using the IMAGE FUV and TIMED GUVI have revealed a longitudinal wave number four pattern in the magnetic latitude and concentration of the F region peak ion density when measured at a fixed local time. In a new comparison of two data sets with observations made by the OGO 4 satellite, this pattern is seen to be persistent over many days around equinox during magnetically quiet conditions close to solar maximum but can be dominated by other processes such as cross-equator winds during other periods. It is found that the longitudinal variability is created by a processes occurring in the dayside ionosphere. A longitudinal modulation of the dayside equatorial fountain is the most likely driving mechanism. Through comparison with GWSM-02 model, it is shown that the predicted modulation of the dayside thermospheric winds and temperatures at E region altitudes created by non-migrating diurnal tides can explain the modulation in the dayside equatorial fountain. This result highlights the importance of understanding the temporal variability of tropospheric weather systems on our understanding and possible predictability of the development of the F region ionosphere. It may also provide a possible further means of testing our understanding of atmospheric tides on a global scale. Show less