ENERGETICS OF THE DAYSIDE IONOSPHERE OF VENUS

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.