A STUDY OF THE IONOSPHERIC DATA OBTAINED AT WUCHANG-SEPT. 1946 THRU. DEC. 1947

Routine hourly observations of ionospheric characteristics have been taken at Wuchang since August 20. 1946. In this paper a general analysis of the data obtained from September 1946 through December 1947 is attempted. The diurnal and seasonal variations of ionization density and virtual height for all regular layers (E, F-l, F-2) are plotted in diagrams and briefly explained. Deviations from the normally recognized characteristics are discussed in more detail.Besides the normal characteristics, some special phenomena such as the occurrence of E₂ near Sunrise and two major ionospheric storms are briefly described. Comparatively detailed study is made on the sporadic E ionization, with the conclusion that its percentage time of occurrence before mid-night is more than that after mid-night and that it is more prevalent in autumn than in any other season. Abnormally high E₃ ionization was observed on October 10, 1946 when the Giacobini-Zinner comet was nearest the Earth. These facts indicate that metenrs are probably important agents in producing sporadic E jouization.