Distortion measurements on the E-region using group and phase height measurements

Abstract

In this paper we consider the effect of distortions in the electron density profile of the E-region caused by the lunar and regular solar (S R) ionospheric currents, on the group and phase heights of radio waves reflected in the E-region. A simple model is proposed to predict the amplitude variation and phase of the variations in group and phase height. Phase height results obtained at equivalent vertical frequencies of 1.8 and 2.4 MHz are presented and with previously obtained group height results are shown to be in agreement with the model.