Electron Bulk Surface Density Effect on Critical Frequency in the F2-Layer

Abstract

Ionosphere layer is the atmosphere region which reflects radio waves for telecommunication. The density in particles in this layer influences the quality of communication. This study deals with the effects of Total Electron Contents (TEC) on the critical frequency of radio waves in the F2-layer. Total Electron Contents parameter symbolizes electron bulk surface density in ionosphere layer. Above critical frequency value in F2 layer (foF2), radio waves pass through ionosphere. The knowledge of this value enables to calibrate transmission frequencies. In this study, we consider TEC effects on foF2 under quiet time conditions during the maximum and the minimum of solar cycle 22, at Ouagadougou station, in West Africa. The study also considers the effects of seasons and the hourly variability of TEC and foF2. This work shows winter anomaly on foF2 and TEC on minimum and maximum of solar cycle phase respectively. Running International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) model enables to carry out the effects of TEC on foF2 by use of their monthly average values. This leads to a new approach to calibrate radio transmitters.