Simulação Numérica das Componentes Zonais da Deriva do Plasma e do Vento Termosférico em Regiões Equatoriais

Abstract

The equatorial F region plasma zonal drift (Vi∅) and the thermospheric zonal wind (U∅) are simulated using the numerical model described by Batista (1986). The simulated Vi∅ diurnal variations are in good agreement with the Jicamarca radar measurements. The simulation results show that the nocturnal peak in Vi∅ undergoes the influence of the local magnetic declination, in the same way that was already observed for the evening F-region plasma vertical drift pre-reversal enhancement (Batista & Abdu, 1985). Another observed feature is concerned with the vertical Vi∅ profiles that show, in the evening hours, negative drifts (westward) at lower heights and positive drifts (eastwart) at higher heights. All these results, as well as the simulated thermospheric zonal wind, are discussed and compared with other models and measurements showing good agreement.