THE HEIGHT DISTRIBUTION OF THE RATIO OF NEGATIVE ION AND ELECTRON DENSITIES IN THE LOWEST IONOSPHERE
Abstract
Available experimental data on nondeviative absorption and VLF propagation conditions in the twilight periods are reviewed. It is shown that there are no data to prove that the electron density is appreciably increased when the 60-90 kms altitude range is illuminated by near ultraviolet light but not by ionizing far ultraviolet radiation. Observations of the variation of auroraltype absorption show, on the contrary, that the photodetachment process does not increase the electron density within that height range by more than 10-20%. All observational results referable to the variation of nondeviative absorption and VLF propagation conditions over short distances during twilight periods may be comprehended in terms of O2 as the primary ion in the lowest ionosphere, provided the height distribution of the ratio of negative ion and electron densities is decreased so that even the night profile has the value 1 at a out 60 kms. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 06, 1962
- Accession Number
- AD0286293
Entities
People
- Bengt Hultqvist
Organizations
- Air Force Cambridge Research Laboratories