A COMPARATIVE STUDY OF IONOSPHERIC MEASUREMENT TECHNIQUES,
Abstract
Comparisons are presented between different methods of measuring ionospheric profiles of electron-density, electron-temperature and ion-temperature. The methods compared are listed for the upper ionosphere in Table I (above 100 km) and for the lower ionosphere in Table II. Only comparisons involving closely simultaneous observations at closely the same location are included. Below 100 km, the radio rocket method appears to have the greatest accuracy. Nevertheless, the ground-based partial reflection and wave-interaction methods need to be developed for continuous observation of electron-density profiles. Above 100 km, satellite methods, particularly the topside ionosonde, are important for obtaining global coverage. But for accuracy of measurement of electron-density, electron-temperature, ion-temperature (and several other aeronomically vital parameters), ground-based methods, particularly the incoherent backscatter radar, are superior in the altitude range 100-1000 km. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0691866
Entities
People
- Ernest K. Smith
- Henry G. Booker
Organizations
- RAND Corporation