Some properties of D-region irregularities from partial reflection studies

The paper begins with a breif description of how information about the ground diffraction pattern is obtained from the three-receiver fading records. Consideration is then given to the relationship between this pattern and the actual ionospheric irregularities. Certain characteristics of the patterns are then discussed, notably diuranal, seasonal and height variations of the pattern size. Some evidence is presented indicating that at certain heights the earth's magnetic field may control the alignment of irregularities. (author)