Peak height estimation of the equatorial F2 layer
Journal
Journal of Chinese Institute of Engineers
Journal Volume
7
Journal Issue
2
Pages
119-125
Date Issued
1984-03
Author(s)
Abstract
Abstract An idealized N(h) model of the ionosphere which involves the bifurcated F2 layer in the equatorial region is proposed. The virtual height versus frequency is calculated from this model, and then the M(3000) factor is determined by the so‐called transmission curve method. The relation between the peak height hm of the F2 layer and the M factor is analysed, and the empirical formulae for calculating hm in terms of the M factor and other parameters readily available from routine scaling are obtained. In the course of derivation, we have noted that the assumptions made by previous workers are only approximate for the M(3000) factors less than about 2.5, and therefore we have adopted an approach which hopefully results in more accurate formulae. When the bifurcation of F2 is absent, the rms error of the formulae is about 5.5 km, while if the bifurcation appears, the rms error is 15.5 km.
Type
journal article