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On explaining the behavior of the ionospheric F region
Author(s) -
Rishbeth H.
Publication year - 1968
Publication title -
reviews of geophysics
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 8.087
H-Index - 156
eISSN - 1944-9208
pISSN - 8755-1209
DOI - 10.1029/rg006i001p00033
Subject(s) - ionosphere , ionization , physics , f region , conjugate points , electron , ion , flux (metallurgy) , atmospheric sciences , meteorology , astrophysics , geophysics , mathematics , nuclear physics , chemistry , quantum mechanics , organic chemistry , pure mathematics
This paper reviews the current situation in ionospheric physics regarding the large‐scale behavior of the F region. Following the introduction, in which the plan of the paper is detailed, part 2 summarizes a basic physical theory of the F region and then lists the additional physical processes that are thought to influence F ‐region behavior. The over‐all balance of ionization in the F region is also considered in relation to the flux of ionizing solar radiation. With currently available data, it is barely possible to account for the gross quantity of ionization present. In part 3, several phenomena of the F region are reviewed and possible explanations discussed. The phenomena include seasonal and annual variations of the F 2 layer, the daily variations of peak electron density ( N m F 2) and the height of the peak ( h m F 2), the nighttime F layer, and the equatorial F 2 layer. Part 4 deals with further topics of interest, though in less detail. These include the F 2 layer during storms and at high latitudes, conjugate point effects, and the existence of negative ions in the F region. In the conclusion, the preceding discussion is recapitulated by listing the observed effects that are suggested to result from each physical process, and brief comments are made on possible future progress.