ON THE ELECTRON DENSITY DISTRIBUTION ABOVE THE F2 PEAK (REVISED)
Abstract
The distribution of free electrons in a heterogeneous upper ionosphere is discussed. According to theoretical arguments as well as experimental evidence, the electron density distribution well above the F2 peak corresponds to a diffusive equilibrium distribution. It is shown that accurate electron density measurements in this altitude region allow the determination of associated atmospheric parameters such as scale height and temperature, as well as the nature and concentration of the light ions, since within this altitude region a transition occurs from the predominant heavy ion (0+) to the light ions (H+ and/or He+). (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 01, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0270087
Entities
People
- S.j. Bauer
Organizations
- National Aeronautics and Space Administration