Revised theory for partial reflectionD-region measurements

Abstract

A theory for the backscattering cross section of HF waves from electron concentration fluctuations in the D region is developed. The resulting expression is seen to differ from that developed by Gardner and Pawsey and by Belrose and Burke because these workers have neglected the effects of differential absorption within the scattering volume. The consequences of this revised theory in the interpretation of the results of ‘partial reflection’ measurements of D-region profiles are discussed and illustrated. It is shown that the electron concentration profiles previously deduced from partial reflection data could be in error, although the general shape of the electron concentration profile is unchanged.