Spatial and temporal variations of the electron temperature at equatorial anomaly latitudes

Abstract The latitudinal, altitude and diurnal variations of the electron temperature at equatorial anomaly latitudes in December are investigated using the Sheffield University Plasmasphere-Ionosphere Model. The information from the electron temperature and density measurements at 600 km altitude made by the Hinotori satellite is used to find the appropriate E×B drift pattern and neutral wind pattern for the model input. It is found that the modelled altitude variations of the temperature are in good agreement with incoherent scatter radar observations at several fixed locations. The model results extend our knowledge of the spatial and temporal variations of the electron temperature which are unable to be obtained from experimental studies at the present time. The present study suggests the possibility of improving the descriptions of the electron temperature in the IRI by combining theoretical model results and observations.