Improvements In Ionospheric Forecasting Capability

The results of a study undertaken to determine the feasibility of employing synoptic mapping to improve ionospheric forecasting capabilities are presented. Using electron density data obtained from 16 ionosonde stations located in North America and Greenland during the time period mid-April through July 1970, the temporal and spatial variability of the ionosphere was assessed. (Author).

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.

Using the method of Rush and Gibbs (1973), weighted means of observed values have been used to update the global prediction of f(o)F2, which are based on monthly median values derived from the Institute of Telecommunications Sciences model (1969). This procedure improved the predictions for magnetically quiet periods, for times near minimum of the solar cycle phase, and for the equinoctial months. Furthermore, a closer grid of ionosonde stations resulted in reducing the error in the f(o)F2 prediction. For the method of Rush and Gibbs (1973) to be operationally successful in global predictions of f(o)F2 however, a closer grid of ionosondes than is presently available is needed. (Author).

This bibliography lists all AFCRL in-house reports, journal articles, and contractor reports issued from 1 April to 30 June 1972. Abstracts are included.