Whistler studies at low latitudes: A review

Abstract

The information derived from whistler studies at low latitude Indian, Chinese and Japanese stations is reviewed. The enhanced occurrence rate during geomagnetic storm period at low latitudes has been interpreted in terms of formation of additional ducts which at low latitudes have a lifetime of less than an hour and during magnetic storm period they are frequently formed and destroyed. Dispersion analysis yields electron density and large scale electric field distribution in the inner plasmasphere which is comparable to that derived from mid-latitude whistlers. The characteristic properties of low latitude whistlers are explained in terms of ducted and pro-longitudinal mode of propagation whereas equatorial whistlers follow field-alinged path in the inner plasmasphere and Earthionosphere wave guide mode for subionospheric path.