A Method for Determining the Electron Density Distribution about the F2 Peak of the Ionosphere

Abstract

A method is given for extending the analysis of topside ionograms to yield ionospheric electron density profiles down to and below hmax, the peak of the F2 layer, by analysis of the ground echoes. Calculations using model ionospheres indicate that the accuracy of the method is not seriously affected by the assumptions made or by the limited accuracy with which ionograms can be scaled.