Calculations of the ion formation function for the average solar activity

Translated from Geomagn. Aeron.; 13: No. 2, 249-255(1973)Results of a calculation of the rate of formation of ions in the upper atmosphere by shontwave solar radiation are presented for the three main gaseous components of the atmosphere. Jacchi's 1971 model of the upper atmosphere was used. New data on the spectrum and intensity of solar radiation and on absorption cross sections and photoionization in 150 spectral intervals were taken. The effect of ionization by photoelectrons and secondary electrons was considered. Calculations of the rate of ion formation were made for exospheric temperatures of 600 to 1300 deg K and heights of 90 to 1000 km for 0 to 95 deg zenith angles of the Sun. The effect of afternoon asymmetry was analyzed. (auth)