Effects of Diffusion of Electrons near the Magnetic Equator

Abstract

IN a recent interesting communication, Dr. E. R. Schmerling¹ has discussed the possible effect of vertical diffusion in the ionosphere in the presence of the geomagnetic field. He claims that the effect of diffusion is to increase the electron density below the electron peak, so that near the magnetic equator the electron density N at a given height h should be less than in slightly higher latitudes, since the magnetic field at the equator is horizontal and precludes vertical diffusion. Dr. Schmerling, however, assumes in this derivation that the rate of ion production is independent of latitude and therefore of the magnetic dip.