Inferences regarding ionosphere-thermosphere coupling - Indian ionospheric tomography experiment

The equatorial ionosphere supports a variety of processes like the Equatorial Ionisation Anomaly (EIA), additional stratifications in ionosphere such as formation of F3 layers/topside ledges, and also irregularities like of varying scale sizes like Equatorial Spread-F (ESF). These processes are some of the most persistent manifestations of ionosphere-thermosphere coupling at equatorial and low latitudes. In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in understanding the generation and evolution of F3 layers [1]. At the same time, processes like the Equatorial Ionization Anomaly (EIA) and Equatorial Spread F (ESF) and their inter relationships have been the focus of many studies [2, 3]. A variety of optical and radio techniques, including the ionospheric tomography [4], have been employed successfully to explore various aspects of the ionosphere-thermosphere coupling.