STUDY OF ELECTRON PRODUCTION AND LOSS RATES IN LOW-LATITUDE IONOSPHERE USING GEOSTATIONARY SATELLITE SIGNALS

Ionospheric electron content (IEC) measurements made at a low latitude station, Waltair (17.7 degrees N, 83.3 degrees E), using the radio be acon signals of ETS-II (March 1978-February 1979) have been used to ca lculate the integrated production rate (Q(0)) and the effective loss r ate (beta'). Both these parameters exhibit seasonal and semi-annual va riations. The overall average values of Q(0) and beta' ate 4.3 x 10(14 ) el. m(-2)s(-1) and 0.66 x 10(-4)s(-1) respectively. Monthly mean val ues of a, show good correlation with 10.7 cm solar nux intensity. The results of Q(0) and beta'at Waltair have been compared with those obta ined at equatorial, low-and mid-latitude stations. An attempt has also been made to explain qualitatively the observed variations with the n eutral composition changes in the atmosphere.