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Electron loss and the determination of electron concentrations in theD-region

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Abstract

The most meaningful way to compare observations of the daytimeD-region under all ionization conditions, for the purpose of improving our understanding of this region, would appear to be through use of the effective electron recombination coefficient, Ψ=q/[e]2, whereq is the ionization production rate, and where [e] is the electron concentration. This ratio apparently increases monotonically with decreasing altitude, and is much less variable than its componentsq and [e]. This parameter appears eminently suitable as a best first order solution to [e] after determiningq. For nighttime conditions, Ψ is more sensitive toq. However, an accurate but simple formula exists for the calculation of electron concentrations.

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  1. Space Physics Division, Air Force Geophysics Laboratory, Hanscom AFB, 01731, MA, USA

    W. Swider

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Swider, W. Electron loss and the determination of electron concentrations in theD-region. PAGEOPH 127, 403–414 (1988). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00879819

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00879819

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