RESPONSE OF THE IONOSPHERE TO NATURAL AND MAN-MADE ACOUSTIC SOURCES

A review is presented of the effects influencing the ionosphere which are caused by acoustic emission from different sources (chemical and n uclear explosions, bolides, meteorites, earthquakes, volcanic eruption s, hurricanes, launches of spacecrafts and flights of supersonic jets) . A terse statement is given of the basic theoretical principles and s implified theoretical models underlying the physics of propagation of infrasonic pulses and gravity waves in the upper atmosphere. The obser vations of ''quick'' response by the ionosphere are pointed out. The p roblem of magnetic disturbances and magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave gen eration in the ionosphere is investigated. In particular, the superson ic propagation of ionospheric disturbances, and the conversion of the acoustic energy into the so-called gyrotropic waves in the ionospheric E-layer are considered.