Influence of ionospheric flows on the effect of the planetary electric generator

Exact distributions of the electric field and current density in the vicinity of the rotating magnetized planet are determined within the planetary electric generator model. The model planetary plasma envelope is assumed to be inhomogeneous and consists of an atmosphere, an ionospheric layer rotating with respect to the atmosphere, and a magnetosphere located beyond the ionosphere. The model parameters, under which the influence of a large-scale flow of the ionospheric plasma on the electric field and current in the lower atmosphere is significant are determined. It is shown that the ionospheric superrotation reduces the electric field arising in the Earth’s lower atmosphere due to the planetary generator effect.