Title:
A numerical study of the ionospheric profiles for mid-latitude
Authors:
 Zhang, Shun-Rong; Huang, Xin-Yu
Affiliation:
AAChinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China ABChinese Academy of Sciences, Wuhan, China
Journal:
Annales Geophysicae (ISSN 0992-7689), vol. 13, no. 5, p. 551-557 (AnGeo Homepage)
Publication Date:
05/1995
Category:
Geophysics
Origin:
STI
NASA/STI Keywords:
COMPUTERIZED SIMULATION, DIFFUSION, EARTH IONOSPHERE, MATHEMATICAL MODELS, PHOTOCHEMICAL REACTIONS, WIND EFFECTS, IONOSONDES, NITROGEN OXIDES, OXYGEN IONS, SOLAR RADIATION, ULTRAVIOLET RADIATION
Bibliographic Code:
1995AnGeo..13..551Z

Abstract

This paper presents a numerical model and results for the mid-latitude ionospheric profile below the peak of the F2-layer. The basis of the model is the solving of equations for four ionic species O(+), NO(+),O2(+) and N2(+), as well as the meta-stable O(+)(2D) and O(+)(P). Diffusion and wind-induced drifts and 21 photo-chemical reactions are also taken into account. Neutral atmospheric density and temperature are derived from the MSIS86 model and solar extreme irradiance from the EUV91 model. In an effort to obtain a more realistic ionospheric profile, the key point at foF(sub 2) and hmF(sub 2) is fitted from the simulation to observations. The model also utilizes the vertical drifts derived from ionosonde data with the help of the Servomodel. It is shown that the ionospheric height of peak can be reproduced more accurately under the derived vertical drifts form the Servo theory than with the HWM90 model. Results from the simulation are given for Wuchang (30.5 deg N, 114.4 deg E and Wakkanai (45.6 deg N, 141.7 deg E), showing the profile changes with season and solar activity, and the E-F valley structure (the depth and the width). This simulation also reveals the importance of the meta-stable ions and dynamical transport processes on the formation of the F(sub 1)-ledge and F(sub 1)-F(sub 2) valley.