An in-depth analysis on the Quasi-Longitudinal approximations applied to ionospheric ray-tracing, oblique and vertical sounding, and absorption

Abstract

For the phase refraction index of high frequency (HF) waves in the ionospheric medium exists a well-established theory. However, under the Quasi-Longitudinal (QL) conditions, scientific literature presents various formulas that are not equivalent and that, in some cases, give rise to wrong results. In the present study, further consequences of Booker’s rule are discussed, illustrating the validity ranges of the above-mentioned approximate formulas; and the different regimes for applying such QL formulas are described, along with the consequences in simulating the ionospheric HF ray-tracing, oblique and vertical sounding, and absorption.