Is thermospheric neutral composition the main driver in the daytime F2 and F1 regions of equatorial ionosphere?
The changes in the F2 region of the ionosphere are predominantly controlled by the changes in the ionospheric electric field and not by the neutral composition.
Electric field dynamo action is the dominant equatorial F2 region driver. However, the contributions of neutral composition can not completely overruled due to the fact that the F2 plasma during the daytime balance between production, recombination and transport processes.
The two drivers (Electric field and Thermospheric neutral composition) play important role in the low latitude plasma distribution. The electric field in conjunction with the H-component of the magnetic field (which is about horizontal at the equatorial region) produce an EXB force that drive plasma to either region of low recombination rate or high recombination rate. During geomagnetic storm, the low latitude electric field can be modified by the penetration of electric filed of magnetospheric origin. This may result in deviation of plasma away from normal quiet time behavior.
Neutral composition does affect the normal behaviour of F1 and F2 regions of the ionosphere.large and fast changes in low latitude ionisations are controlled by corresponding changes of the Horizontal field caused by corresponding changes in Solar Wind parameters. ---r.g.rastogi
Yes, electric field is the dominant for equatorial charge particles distribution in the F2 region. Their variations/disturbances also depends on the thernosphere wind and atmospheric waves
The ionospheric region is affected by particle distribution,waves winds and so many other parameters but the equatorial region is sensitive to eat west elecric field,,Please stop any unnecessary discussion.R. G. Rastogi
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