April 1970 | Technical Memorandum ERL TM ITS 233
Studies in Ionospheric Dynamics
Cite This Publication
T. M. Georges and W. H. Hooke, “Studies in Ionospheric Dynamics,” Technical Memorandum ERL TM ITS 233, U.S. Department of Commerce, Environmental Science Services Administration, Institute for Telecommunication Sciences and Aeronomy, April 1970.
T. M. Georges and W. H. Hooke
Abstract:
1. The F2-region ionospheric response to individual internal gravity waves is calculated as a function of the azimuth of wave propagation. The physical basis for the great anisotropy of the ionospheric response is discussed.
2. We present computer plots showing the F-region ionospheric response to an isotropic spectrum of internal gravity waves. The results are applied to the problem of the ionospheric response to internal gravity waves generated by a point source.
3. Assuming that a plane atmospheric wave acts on a plane-stratified F-layer in the presence of a constant geomagnetic field, we derive an expression for the resulting perturbations in total columnar electron content. The model correctly predicts the order of magnitude of the observed perturbations, and makes visible much of the physics that determines the magnitude of wave-induced total-content fluctuations observed using satellite transmissions through the ionosphere. Geomagnetic constraints, and a tendency for fluctuations to be greatest when the ground-satellite path lies in a surface of constant atmospheric wave phase, combine to introduce strong experimental biases that favor the observation of some waves and prevent the observation of others.
4. No significant connections between ionospheric motions revealed by HF Doppler sounders and events in the troposphere are found except a possible relationship with particular configurations of the tropopause stream function, isotachs and tropopause height may exist.
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