Numerical modeling of the electric field and zonal current in the Earth's ionosphere – statement of the problem and test calculations

The given work is devoted to numerical modeling of electric fields and their effects in an ionosphere of the Earth. Two various approaches to the description of the electric field, realized on the basis of global self-coordinated model of thermosphere, ionosphere, protonosphere system (the GSM TIP), developed in WD IZMIRAN are submitted. The detailed description of model of the electric field included in the GSM TIP on which all earlier published researches were executed is given. The model is based on the decision of the three-dimensional equation $\nabla j=0$ for density of a full current in an ionosphere, brought to 2D by integration on the thickness of current-carrying layer of an ionosphere in assumption that components of electric field do not vary on height. The new model of an electric field in which model equation brought to 2D by integration along geomagnetic field lines also is submitted. Comparison of results of the calculations received on both models is carried out which has shown that the new model correctly describes global distribution of an electric field in an ionosphere of the Earth, including near to geomagnetic equator whereas the area of applicability of old model is limited to high and average latitudes.