EFFECT OF IMF ON THE E-REGION AND F-REGION DRIFTS OVER PATIALA

Effect of the eastward and northward components of IMF (B(y) and B(z)) on the daytime E-region and nighttime F-region drifts at Patiala, whi ch is situated near the S(q) focus, has been studied. Drift records pe rtaining to the year 1987-88 have been used. The E-region drift speed decreases with increase in B(z) in winter while it increases during su mmer and equinoxes. It is opposite in the F-region. Significant increa se of westward drift with B(z) is seen in the E- and F-regions where t he correlation coefficients are -0.90 and -0.70 respectively. The sout hward component of the E-region drift decreases significantly with inc rease in B(z) or B(y). With increase in B(y) the drift speed in the E- region decreases while it increases in the F-region. The westward comp onents of both the E- and F-region drifts show an increase with an inc rease in B(y).