The ionospheric storm studies: further development of the mapping technique

The technique of using instantaneous maps for ionospheric storm studies is further developed. Integral parameters are introduced characterizing the main features of each map. These parameters are the net volumes of Δf0F2, ΔM(3000)F2and their gradients. The magnetic storm 1-2 March, 1982 was considered and it was found that before the storm commencement and in recovery phase the Net Gradient (NG) is directed steadily to the East, while in the main phase it turns southward. NG shows where the changes of the F-layer come from. The net volume of Δf0F2 (NF) correlates well with Dst and AE indices.