On the Role of the Ionospheric Parameters B0 and B1 in the Matching of Calculated and Experimental Values of MUF

Abstract

Despite certain limitations, the RI model is widely used in the interpretation and prediction of oblique propagation characteristics, for example, MUF. A special role is played by the adaptation (assimilation) of the model to the current diagnostics data, which makes it possible to correct the model in real time. The most widely used adaptation is to the main parameters of the ionosphere foF2 and hmF2. With the possibility of measuring the total electron content TEC, the values of this parameter are used for adaptation through the definition of foF2 using, for example, the equivalent slab thickness of the ionosphere or other approaches. However, in almost all cases there is a residual deviation of the calculated values of the MUF from the experimental MOFs, which is attributed to the difference in the shapes of the model and real N(h)-profiles. In this paper, to eliminate the residual deviation, the values of the B0 and B1 parameters are used, determining the shape of the N(h)- profiles of the lower ionosphere, which is close to real. One of the most quiet days was chosen on February 13, 2014 on the Dickson-Pevek path of oblique sounding. It is shown that the use of B0 and B1 can reduce the residual discrepancy, but does not remove it completely. The reason is the lack of accuracy in determining B0 and B1 in the high-latitude zone.