SpringerOpen, Earth, Planets and Space, 2(51), p. 115-128, 1999
DOI: 10.1186/bf03352216
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An array of 29 vector magnetometers was operated in N-NE Brazil from November 1990 until March 1991, We present the analysis of 16 selected quiet days, for which a simple model of an equivalent current distribution for the Sq and EEJ, fits the observed maximum amplitude of the daily variation at midday. In equatorial regions the precise latitude profile of the Sq field is masked by the EEJ, this uncertainty is resolved by assuming that the EEJ, obtained after substracting the Sq from the daily ranges, should present a ratio of 0.3 for the westaward to easward current. With this constraint, a combined non-linear least squares inversion of Sq and EEJ was used to estimate the parameters of Onwumechlis's model of the EEJ curent distribution. The H and Zcomponents of the EEJ are jointly inverted and good a, agreement obtained between the calculated and observed data for all 16 days.The EEJ's main parameters averaged for 16 quiet days were: A total positive current intensity equal to 67+/-20 (10-3)A) for diurnal range Mg (or 80+/-20 (10(3) A) for M-3) and a half-width of 403+/-67 Km. The EEJ centre was located at 21+/- 16 Km south of the dip equator. The Sq was estimate from several permanent observatories and found to be mean latitude of 5.5 +/-2 degrees south. Pages: 115-128