The role of dusts on the equatorial electrojet currents

In a magnetized plasma, assuming an effective collision cross section by an equivalent number of neutral dust particles, the Hall (σH) and the Pederson (σP)(σP) conductivities are obtained. The Cowling conductivities (σC) are calculated using the measured values of electron densities in the ionospheric E-region heights between 90 and 120 km by the rocket flights over Thumba, India, and the neutral density model calculations as given by the MSIS-E-90 for the geographical latitude=0°, and longitude=80°. The conductivity profiles are compared with the observed profiles on the rocket flights. We see that the height difference between conductivity maxima and current density maxima can be reduced and matched by assuming a height distribution of neutral dust particles in the ionosphere. The justifications for the present modeling, i.e., the equatorial electrojet conductivities including the dust particles and comparison with the alternative theory given by Ronchi et al. [1990. Journal of Geophysical Research 95, 189] are given at the end.