We have analyzed the vector magnetic field data acquired with the AMPTE CCE satellite for prolonged periods of disturbed conditions (2≤Kp≤6, and -70≤Dst≤-20 nT). A total of 300 orbits for 180 days during 1985 and 1986 were subjected to the present analysis. We have determined the characteristics of the intensities and flow directions of currents flowing parallel to and near the geomagnetic equatorial plane in the region between L=4.0 and 8.8 RE. This analysis was done in a cylindrical magnetic coordinate system and by assuming north-south symmetry with respect to the geomagnetic equatorial plane. The characteristics determined from this study include the following: (1) The azimuthal currents flow westward and exhibit pronounced midnight-noon asymmetries, with the nightside intensities greater than dayside intensities by a factor of 2 to 3. The enhanced nightside current intensities have localized relative minima between 2200 and 0200 MLT and L=5.6 and 8.8 RE, resulting from the integrated effect of a number of substorm-associated geomagnetic dipolarizations. (2) The inferred equatorial radial currents flow toward the Earth in the evening sector and away from the Earth in the morning sector throughout the region between L=4.0 and 8.8 RE. (3) A net positive divergence (source) of equatorial current in the evening sector and a net negative divergence (sink) in the morning sector is inferred from the distribution of azimuthal and radial currents. The location, flow direction, and intensities of these divergent currents are almost identical with those of the region 2 Birkeland system. We conclude that the equatorial currents, primarily the westward ring current, and the region 2 Birkeland current system are closely connected. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1990