D - and E-region based on rocket-borne measurements]]>

摘要

AbstractElectron densities obtained from rocket borne measurements are compared to an empirical, steady state model built from these data. The ratios between each measured value and its corresponding model valuevs. time yield trends which significantly vary with altitude. Notably above 120–130km the electron densities generally increase, whereas between 95 and 120km the ionosphere appears stable. Somewhere below 80–90km - depending on the investigated data subset - there is again a positive trend down to below 70km. Tentative explanations such as cooling of the mesosphere are suggested and may be confirmed by comprehensive theoretical models of the upper atmosphere.Highlights?Electron densities measuredin-situby sounding rockets over 50 years reveal trends which appear to support both theoretical models as well as ground-based and satellite data.?More than 50 years of rocket measurements.?Three height regions of long-term trends.?展开▼