A study of the total electron content of the f-region of the ionosphere over ahmedabad (23° N, 72° 38′ E), India

Abstract

The total number of electrons in a column of unit cross-section in the F 1- and F 2- regions of the ionosphere up to the heights of maximum electron density has been calculated for three magnetically quiet days and three disturbed days in each month from February 1953 to January 1954. The method of analysis is that suggested by Ratcliffe, assuming parabolic electron density distribution in the layers. The values of the mean daily variations of n, the total electron content in a vertical column of unit cross-section up to the height of maximum electron density of the F 2-layer, and n T the corresponding number of F 1- and F 2-layers together, for each of the three seasons (Nov.–Feb., May–Aug., and Mar.–Apr. plus Sept.–Oct.) are given in the form of graphs. The mean daily variations of the following parameters of the F 2-region, viz., y m its semi-thickness, h p the height of maximum electron density, and h p — y m , or h o , the base of the layer assuming parabolic electron density distribution, have also been studied, n and n T show maxima in March and October, with a minimum in summer. The relation between y m and h p of the F 2-layer shows that thick layers are associated with higher values of h p and that the parabolic electron distribution law does not hold for very thick layers. A histogram, showing the semi-thickness of the F 2-region against the number of occurrences, is given. 1953 being a year of weak solar activity, the disturbed-day values do not differ substantially from those of quiet days.