D-Region Ionization Profiles and Loss Rates during Flares

Abstract

It is interesting to compare the different profiles obtained by different techniques and for different flare events. We see that the flare profiles are generally similar in shape, excepting that some have larger enhancements than the others, and that in the case of Somayajulu-Aikin rocket profiles there is an unexpected trough at 80 km that is not seen in the other cases. When one arranges the flare events according to increasing flux values (Figure 83), one finds that the electron density profiles then line up in increasing order. These confirm the reliability and consistency of these measurements as well as the predominant role played by flare X-rays in the production of the additional ionization.