Semi-empirical low-latitude ionospheric model. Environmental research papers

Technical Report · Thu Oct 10 00:00:00 EDT 1985

OSTI ID:5240948

Anderson, D N; Mendillo,; Herniter,

Since current empirical models specifying low-latitude electron density profiles severely underestimate the daytime plasma density scale-height and total electron content (TEC), a Semi-empirical, Low-latitude, Ionospheric Model (SLIM) was developed that is not only more realistic but is also computationally fast. Electron-density profiles (180 to 1800 km) are theoretically calculated as a function of latitude (every 2/sup 0/ between 24 N and 24 S dip latitude) and local time (every half-hour over 24 hours LT) by solving the time-dependent plasma-continuity equation. Assuming a Chapman-like profile, sets coefficients are then generated that reproduce these individual profiles. The coefficients themselves are easily stored, quickly retrieved, and form the basis for a fast, portable, semi-empirical computer code. This report describes briefly the input parameters used to theoretically calculate profiles and the procedures used to generate the coefficients. The SLIM profiles are compared with the Chiu and Bent empirical models for Equinox, solar-maximum conditions. Finally, electron densities, the coefficients, TEC and 6300 A airglow intensities are listed in tabular form for three seasons (Equinox, June solstice, and December solstice) and two solar-cycle periods (solar maximum and solar minimum).

• Research Organization: Air Force Geophysics Lab., Hanscom AFB, MA (USA)
• OSTI ID: 5240948
• Report Number(s): AD-A-168899/3/XAB; AFGL-TR-85-0254
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
IONOSPHERE
ELECTRON DENSITY
SOLAR ACTIVITY
AIRGLOW
FUNCTIONS
HEIGHT
LATITUDE EFFECT
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
SEASONAL VARIATIONS
DIMENSIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
GEOGRAPHICAL VARIATIONS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
VARIATIONS
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