Ambipolar Diffusion & Vertical Drift at Low Latitudes

Abstract

The equation of continuity of electron density is solved for a low-latitude F2-region along 75°E. Calculations are made for equinoctial conditions of high solar activity. Three schematic models each of the ambipolar diffusion velocity and the vertical drift velocity are chosen for a model study of the ionosphere. The lower value of the ambipolar diffusion velocity increases the mean lifetime of the plasma by keeping it at a height where the, loss coefficientis small. An early maximization of vertical drift increases the rate of change of the electron density in the morning.