The electron distribution in the ionosphere over Slough—II Disturbed days

Abstract

An account is given of how the heights of maximum electron density of the F1 and F2 layers and the sub-peak electron content vary over Slough (England) during magnetic storms. The parameters have been taken from detailed true-height electron density distributions calculated from observed h′( f) curves in 6 months representing three seasons in a year of low, and a year of high sunspot number. Attention is drawn to the fact that variations of h′ F2 during a storm should not be taken to represent changes of height of the F2 layer. The height of maximum electron density in the F2 layer is found to increase in storms, particularly at night. The height of maximum electron density in the F1 layer also increases. Comparison with the magnetograms recorded at Abinger during individual storms shows that ionospheric storm effects occur almost immediately after the magnetic changes. Some important changes have been noticed in the ionosphere at the time of a world-wide sudden impulse.