F region metal ion morphology is important because these long-lived ions act as tracers of the dynamical processes. The behavior of Mg+ was inferred from the 2800 ¿ resonance emission observed by the Visible Airglow Experiment on the Atmosphere Explorer E satellite in equatorial orbit. Data were obtained over 5 months near winter solstice during solar maximum conditions. Theoretical modelling of the Mg+ densities was undertaken by solving the coupled continuity and momentum equations for one major and one minor ion. A uniform layer of 100 metal ions cm-3 at the lower boundary of 125 km was assumed. The numerical value of the density at the boundary is not critical, as all results are linearly scaled to the boundary density. The calculations reproduced the observed appearance of largest metal ion densities in the early afternoon in winter solstice conditions, and number density profiles that are nearly altitude independent near the equator near noon. Longitudinal effects are apparent mainly at high altitudes (>350 km) near dusk. Correlations of high altitude densities with season and solar cycle are supported: larger densities at fixed altitudes are seen during solar maximum conditions, and at equinox near sunset. Neutral winds, particularly in the E region, were found to be very important in determining the metal ion distribution at high altitudes. The E region tidal oscillations especially seem to be the largest single factor controlling the F region metal ion behavior.