Features of horizontal magnetic field intensity over northern island of Malaysia

Abstract

This study utilized magnetic field records of the horizontal component obtained from magnetic data acquisition system at northern island of Malaysia to delineate the diurnal variations of SqH and their monthly mean MSqH for a period of 4 years. The results show that for the entire period of study, the daytime SqH amplitudes increase from \(\sim 20\) to \(\sim 160\)  nT and their MSqH amplitudes increased from \(\sim 40\) to about 135 nT in 2008 to 2013, respectively. These variabilities of SqH and MSqH reached peak amplitudes between 10:00 and 12:00 LT hrs. The standard deviation fairly responds to the daily variability of SqH with a phase shift in January 2008 and 2013 which may likely have connection to the sudden stratospheric warming event that occurred in these months. We observed the extension of eastward field that continued beyond the sunset (18:00 LT) hours is more prevalent with higher magnitudes during the deep minimum solar activity and the probable causes are discussed. The observed counter equatorial electrojet associated with late reversal of night-time westward electric field (WEF) shows inverse relationship with increasing solar activity and those that are not associated to late reversal of night-time WEF seems to indicate linear relationship exception of deep minimum solar activity year (2008). We also observed a gradual shift of ECEJ to the morning sector with increasing solar activity. Throughout the years, days with stronger morning counter equatorial electrojet magnitudes generally weaken the expected strong eastward current and shifted its peak to earlier local time. The annual and seasonal variations of SqH show semiannual variation with equinoctial maxima and solstitial minima. About 40% of the SqH shows positive night-time to pre-sunrise variations which suggest the existence of weak electric currents not necessarily of ionospheric origin with appreciable influence at this longitude sector. The extension of eastward field beyond the sunset hours suggests likely modification of the evening side ionosphere over this region.

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