Electron density distributions in the daytimeF2layer and their dependence on neutral gas, ion, and electron temperatures

Results are given of calculations of the electron-density distribution in the F region of the ionosphere when thermal nonequilibrium exists between the neutral gas, electrons, and ions. A digital computer has been used to solve an equation including photoionization, loss, and diffusion of ionization for a model in which the neutral gas and electron temperatures are independent of height and the ion temperature increases from that of the neutral gas at low heights and approaches that of the electrons at great heights. It is assumed that the rate coefficient for the electron loss process is independent of the neutral gas, electron, and ion temperatures. The investigation indicates how the height distribution of ionization for steady-state conditions is determined by the neutral gas and electron temperatures and by the height variation of the ion temperature. It is shown that an increase in the neutral gas temperature causes little change in the maximum electron density but increases the height of this maximum. An increase in electron temperature causes a decrease in the maximum electron density and a small change in the height of this maximum, both effects being dependent on the height variation of ion temperature. The solutions obtained are used to discuss the shape of the F layer and the effects on the electron distribution of increases in neutral gas, electron, and ion temperatures expected during magnetic disturbances.