The numerical solution of differential equations governing the reflexion of long radio waves from the ionosphere. IV

Abstract

The previous papers in this series have described methods by which the differential equations governing the reflexion of long waves from the ionosphere may be solved with the use of an automatic digital computer, and have dealt with the application of these methods to some idealized ionosphere models. In this paper these methods are used in a comparative study of models which have been proposed for the day-time ionosphere in summer. The model whose theoretical reflecting properties most nearly agree with the experimental observations is found, and suggestions are made as to how it should be changed. A summary is given of the essential properties which an acceptable day-time ionosphere model must possess. The transition from day-time to night-time conditions in the ionosphere is also discussed, and it is shown that the sharp change in the reflexion coefficients can be accounted for qualitatively by the disappearance of a D -layer which might be present during the day at low level in the ionosphere.