The Influence of Vertical Ionic Drift on a 'Chapman Region'

Abstract

Vertical transport of ions is taken into account in a theoretical treatment of an ionized region in which ion production and decay are operative. Methods are evolved for computing the electron density in both a "moving" and a static layer. Ionic drift is believed to be caused by tidal motion of the upper air and so, for conditions representative of the E region and the solar atmospheric tide, the effect of ionic drift is investigated and the theoretical departure from normal " Chapman " behaviour is measured.