The E layer shape: the combination with existing models

Abstract

The global maps for the E layer peak density are considered to be adequately good for daytime and new formulations for nighttime have been included in existing models. However, there are doubts about the validity of the shape of the electron density profile in E region heights. J. Titheridge has developed an E region chemistry model which provides improvements of the profile shape. We have modeled this shape on the basis of polynomial expansions. The resulting E region profile can be combined with existing ionospheric models, e.g., with the International Reference Ionosphere (IRI) or with the ‘family’ of models recently developed at Graz and Trieste.