Abstract:
The long-term Challenging Minisatellite Payload magnetometer data are analyzed to derive the
equatorial counterelectrojet (CEJ) signatures globally over a range of local times. The resultant local
time-longitude map of CEJ occurrence rate shows a strong influence of the diurnal eastward propagating
wave number 3 (DE3) nonmigrating tide during July–September months. DE3 is also shown to account for
the reduction of CEJ occurrence at certain longitudes. These aspects of DE3 tide-CEJ relationship have
implications for understanding the seasonal and longitudinal variations of CEJ. Observations of zonal winds
from the Thermosphere Ionosphere Mesosphere Energetics and Dynamics (TIMED) Doppler Interferometer
instrument on board the TIMED satellite are used to establish these findings.
