Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 2000
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2000jastp..62.1629r&link_type=abstract
Journal of Atmospheric and Solar-Terrestrial Physics, Volume 62, Issue 17-18, p. 1629-1645.
Physics
3
Scientific paper
Fifty years ago the processes responsible for the formation of the ionospheric layers were well established, Appleton, Bartels and Chapman having been in the vanguard of the exploration phase of ionospheric research. Routine observations were being carried out in some locations, but in other areas, such as Antarctica, the first measurements were only being undertaken. Thus, a global perspective of the ionosphere was still emerging. In the intervening years, there have been many very significant findings. Energy from the atmosphere both above and below the ionosphere has been shown to have a major influence its structure and dynamics. Winds up to 1kms-1 blow at F-region altitudes and the solar wind imposes a cross-polar cap potential >100kV on the ionosphere when the interplanetary magnetic field has a strong southward component. The ionosphere itself is not simply a passive window on atmospheric and plasma processes. It is the major source of plasma for the magnetosphere, and its lower boundary is critical in the reflection of planetary waves back into the stratosphere and troposphere. Evolving technology has made a vast improvement in our ability to observe and model the ionosphere; some key developments are summarised. The paper also provides a few illustrations of the topics studied over the last 50 yr, namely F-region storms, plasma irregularities and long-term changes. Although the climatology of the ionosphere is well understood and can be modelled successfully, predicting the ionospheric weather accurately is not yet possible. The paper concludes by identifying some key topics where further understanding will be essential if reliable modelling and forecasting are to be achieved.
Jarvis Martin J.
Rodger Alan S.
No associations
LandOfFree
Ionospheric research 50 years ago, today and tomorrow does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.
If you have personal experience with Ionospheric research 50 years ago, today and tomorrow, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Ionospheric research 50 years ago, today and tomorrow will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1613545