A theoretical and experimental study of the recombination coefficient in the lower ionosphere

The problem of recombination of electrons and ions in the lower ionosphere is studied both experimentally and theoretically. The experimental study involves analysis of new experimental data such as 150-kc radio wave absorption, polarization, and phase heights; absorption of short-wave galactic radiation; and E-region critical frequency, as well as recombination values already published. Then, by use of the theories of dissociative recombination and negative ions, a theoretical model is derived which is consistent with the experimental results. The values of the coefficient during night-time and during sudden ionospheric disturbances are discussed.