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The calculation of real and virtual heights of reflection in the ionosphere

1959; Elsevier BV; Volume: 17; Issue: 1-2 Linguagem: Inglês

10.1016/0021-9169(59)90148-5

1878-593X

J.E. Titheridge,

Soil Moisture and Remote Sensing

Abstract A rapid and accurate manual method is described by means of which the heights h corresponding to a given series of electron densities N can be calculated from an ionogram which shows the h′(ƒ) curve for the ordinary or extraordinary wave. The method makes allowance for the presence of the earth's magnetic field. The virtual height is read only once at about twenty frequencies, and the calculation of a complete N(h) curve requires less than 15 min. A slightly modified method is described for use when very accurate results are required, as, for example, in a study of the fine structure of the E-layer. The method makes use of a series of coefficients which may be quickly calculated once and for all, for a given place, with the aid of a desk calculating machine. The law assumed for the shape of the segments used in the analysis eliminates the necessity for the calculation and subsequent integration of the group refractive index in deriving these coefficients. The coefficients for the extraordinary wave are readily obtained by applying a correction to the “longitudinal” expression for the group refractive index. It is shown how the same coefficients can be used in the inverse process of deriving an h′(ƒ) curve from a known N(h) curve.