On a simple, data-aided analytic description of the morphology of equatorial F-region zonal plasma drifts

Abstract We present results of an effort to evaluate the ability analytic model describe behavior equatorial zonal plasma drifts given inputs provided by readily available climatological models thermospheric and ionospheric parameters. In a data-model fusion approach, we used vertical drift measurements drive its output. Drift were made Jicamarca incoherent scatter radar, evaluated for different seasons two distinct solar flux conditions. focused, in particular, on versions Horizontal Wind Model (HWM 97, 07, 14). found that, despite simplicity, can reproduce fairly well most features observed drifts, including shear associated with evening vortex. During daytime hours predicts similar independently HWM model. More importantly, modeled match exceptionally magnitude all conditions considered. The nighttime overall performance model, that single cannot provide best also examined main sources variability. Most morphology is controlled wind dynamo term but non-negligible contribution from term. Finally, E- F -region dynamo. region observation (240–560 km altitude) mostly winds, significant contributions E particularly during December solstice low