Quiet time F2-layer disturbances: seasonal variations of the occurrence in the daytime sector

Abstract. Earlier revealed seasonal/latitudinal variations of the occurrence for positive and negative F2-layer Q-disturbances have been interpreted in the framework of the present-day concept of the thermosphere-ionosphere interaction. The basic process is the solar-driven and storm-induced thermospheric circulation's interaction which varies with season and latitude. Such morphological features as clustering of negative Q-disturbances around winter solstice and the appearance of an additional occurrence of summer peak at lower latitudes, the equinoctial occurrence peaks for positive Q-disturbances and their merging to one summer peak at lower latitudes can be explained in the framework of this concept. Moreover, seasonal/latitudinal variations of the occurrence for usual storm-induced F2-layer disturbances, which exhibit quite different morphology, are also explained within this concept and this may be considered as its success. Although some types of F2-layer Q-disturbances are obviously related to the impact from below, the analyzed seasonal/latitudinal occurrence variations are shown to have their origin in the thermosphere itself.