This book describes how to predict and forecast the state of planet Earth’s ionosphere under quiet and disturbed conditions in terms of dynamical processes in the weakly ionized plasma media of the upper atmosphere and their relation to available modern measurements and modelling techniques. It explains the close relationship between the state of the media and the radio wave propagation conditions via this media. The prediction and forecasting algorithms, methods and models are oriented towards providing a practical approach to ionospherically dependent systems design and engineering. Proper understanding of the ionosphere is of fundamental practical importance because it is an essential part of telecommunication and navigation systems that use the ionosphere to function or would function much better in its nonappearance on the Earth and on any planet with an atmosphere.

A world-wide model of ionospheric irregularities giving rise to scintillations was developed by Fremouw and Rino of Stanford Research Institute. This model takes into consideration diurnal, seasonal, and solar variations. Also considered is the dependence on geomagnetic latitude, frequency, and the geometry between the transmitter and the receiver. This model was used to make computations appropriate for the GOES system, assuming the satellite to be parked on 100°W longitude. Calculations were made at 400 MHz for sunspot numbers 30, 100, and 200, coo responding to low, medium, and high solar activity; for solstice and equinoctial periods; and for several times of the day. The results are presented as contour maps of the earth as viewed from GOES. The results show that for low solar activity periods serious scintillations will occur only within about ± 10 degrees of the geomagnetic equator. During moderately active periods stations located in the vicinity of the auroral zones will also be affected. The worst case condition occurs for sunspot number 200, during the equinox, and at midnight , on the longitude of the geostationary satellite. In general, the mid-latitude regions are relatively free from scintillations. These results should be useful in determining the positioning and programming of the data readout of the numerous surface-based stations to be used in connection with the data collection and relay subsystem.

This introductory text replaces two earlier publications (Davies 1965, 1969). Among the topics: characteristics of waves and plasma, the solar-terrestrial system, the Appleton formula, radio soundings of the ionosphere, morphology of the ionosphere, oblique propagation, importance of amplitude and phase, earth-space propagation. Annotation copyrighted by Book News, Inc., Portland, OR

The purpose of this report is to familiarize a user of ionospheric models with the options presently available for ionospheric prediction and specification. Two types of ionospheric models are available: the numerical-phenomenological and theoretical models. From the numerical type, the ITS-78, IONCAP, and Bent models have been discussed. In the theoretical models the main concern is the number of parameters included in the model. Nine ionospheric models available have been summarized. The differences and limitations of these models are compared and tabulated. This information will help a user make a judicious selection of an ionospheric model to satisfy his specific needs. The sources for obtaining the programs for these models have been listed for ready references.

A comprehensive review of global ionospheric research from the polar caps to equatorial regions It's more than a century since scientists first identified the ionosphere, the layer of the Earth’s upper atmosphere that is ionized by solar and cosmic radiation. Our understanding of this dynamic part of the near-Earth space environment has greatly advanced in recent years thanks to new observational technologies, improved numerical models, and powerful computing capabilities. Ionosphere Dynamics and Applications provides a comprehensive overview of historic developments, recent advances, and future directions in ionospheric research. Volume highlights include: Behavior of the ionosphere in different regions from the poles to the equator Distinct characteristics of the high-, mid-, and low-latitude ionosphere Observational results from ground- and space-based instruments Ionospheric impacts on radio signals and satellite operations How earthquakes and tsunamis on Earth cause disturbances in the ionosphere The American Geophysical Union promotes discovery in Earth and space science for the benefit of humanity. Its publications disseminate scientific knowledge and provide resources for researchers, students, and professionals. Find out more about the Space Physics and Aeronomy collection in this Q&A with the Editors in Chief

A modern treatment of the physics and phenomena of the ionosphere, beginning with the basics of radio propagation and the use of radio techniques in ionospheric studies. Ample cross-referencing, chapter summaries and reference lists make this book an invaluable aid for graduate students, ionospheric physicists and radio engineers.