Abstract:
The equatorial ionospheric vertical ion drift velo cities (Vz) are important for the
understanding of the equatorial ionospheric dynamics. In this study the equatorial
electric eld and World Magnetic Models have been used to compute the electric and
magnetic elds, respectively. These parameters in turn used to compute the vertical
drift velo city. The drift velo city has been computed for di erent day, month, season,
and longitudes. Our result indicates that the peak of Vz is maximum in Asia during
June solstice and September equinox with a values of 65 m/s and 60 m/s respectively
at 11:00 LT and minimum in North America during December solstice and March
equinox with a comparable values of 10 m/s at 9:00 LT times. Similarly, in Ethiopia
the peak Vz with amplitudes of 15-20 m/s during September and March equinox
and 10-15 m/s during December and June solstice seasons at 11:00 LT times. Thus
the day time equatorial vertical drifts have largest amplitudes between 11:00 LT and
19:00 LT with typical values of 15-25 m/s that shows our model result is in a good
agreement with other equatorial ground-based observations over India, Brazil, Peru
and Kwajalein.