Ionospheric Equivalent Slab Thickness and Its Modeling Applications
Abstract
A database of equivalent slab thickness observations covering nearly two complete solar cycles has been obtained at a mid-latitude site (Hamilton, MA). This database has been studied for correlations between the various parameters as well as for dependencies on observable quantities. The mean variations of tau are described both qualitatively, in terms of changes to profile shapes, and quantitatively, in terms of a simple numerical model. A preliminary investigation of the day-to-day variations of tau is also described. The similarity of the mean numerical tau model to one obtained using data from a site in Wales (U.K.) suggests that longitude variations of tau may well be small at mid-latitudes. This property has in turn been used to convert a network of ionosonde observations to a database of TEC, for comparisons with a number of currently available ionospheric models. These same ionospheric models were also used to predict values of tau over Hamilton, MA, and the comparisons provided additional model validation. Adjustments to the model profiles were suggested in a couple of cases. Keywords: Ionospheric models; Slab thickness; Total electron content; Day-to-day variations; Peak density.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Nov 01, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA220105
Entities
People
- Matthew Fox
- Michael Mendillo
Organizations
- Boston University