Abstract

This study investigates the possible occurrence of counter equatorial electrojet (CEJ) and a quicker method for identification of CEJ. Data from a chain of magnetic observatories of World Data Center for Geomagnetism in Tokyo, Japan, was employed. It is strikingly interesting to observe that most CEJ occurred from morning through new dusk, with almost the same pattern of dHin depression. In Ascension Island (ASC), Huancayo (HUA) and Pondicherry (PND), most ∆H were found to be less than zero, which reveals an indication of full CEJ. Partial CEJ occurrences were observed during some hours at these stations where ∆Hin >0. It is suggested that IMF turning north indicates CEJ, hence storm effects could also be attributed to CEJ existence. Some of our new findings are at variance with results of some previous workers; hence further work is suggested for further clarification. A quick method of easy identification of CEJ is suggested.

Key words: Electrojet, geomagnetic element, counter electrojet, geomagnetism, interplanetary magnetic field (IMF).