A reanalysis of the Pioneer Venus electron temperature data base showe
d a strong correlation between elevated electron temperatures and indu
ced magnetic fields in the dayside ionosphere above about 200 km. Thes
e results suggest, although not conclusively, that the elevated temper
atures are the result of reduced vertical conductivities caused by the
horizontal, induced fields with a possible contribution from energy d
eposition by magnetosheath electrons moving along the field from the t
ail region.