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A Photochemical Equilibrium Model For Ionospheric Conductivity, C. E. Rasmussen, Robert W. Schunk, Vincent B. Wickwar

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A photochemical equilibrium model of the high-latitude ionosphere has been developed. This model provides densities of the ionospheric constituents, N₂ ⁺, O₂ ⁺, O⁺, and NO⁺, from 85 km to approximately 220 km. These densities are then used to calculate Pedersen and Hall conductivities. A comparison of the model results with Arecibo and Chatanika radar observations was made, covering periods of solar minimum and solar maximum. The comparison showed the model to predict ionospheric densities to within 50% and conductivities to within 40% in the illuminated portion of the ionosphere. In regions …