Abstract Theoretical considerations can be helpful tools in modelling ionospheric parameters in regions and for times where not enough experimental data are available. Our study asks whether results of heat balance calculations should be introduced to supplement the data base for the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI). We discuss the present status of our theoretical understanding and examine the influence of the following unresolved or neglected terms: (1) electron heating rate, (2) electron cooling by fine structure excitation of atomic oxygen, and (3) height-dependent Coulomb Logarithm. The ambiguity introduced by (1)–(3) leads up to 30% uncertainty in the electron temperature of the lower thermosphere. The electron temperature in the upper ionosphere is largely determined by heat conduction from above and depends critically on the conditions assumed at the boundary between ionosphere and plasmasphere.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    Heat balance of the ionosphere: Implications for the international reference ionosphere


    Contributors:
    Bilitza, D. (author)

    Published in:

    Advances in Space Research ; 5 , 10 ; 123-130


    Publication date :

    1985-01-01


    Size :

    8 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English




    The International Reference Ionosphere – Status 2013

    Bilitza, Dieter | Online Contents | 2015


    International Reference Ionosphere - Status 1995/96

    Bilitza, D. / International Council of Scientific Unions; Committee on Space Research; Scientific Commission C | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1997