Behavior of critical frequency foF2 at various moments of the day: 1. Dependence on solar activity

Variation with solar activity level of the ratios of the critical frequencies of the F2 layer, foF2, is considered for various pairs of local time moments T1 and T2 for two seasons (winter and summer). It is found that, as a rule, the foF2(T1)/foF2(T2) behavior with the solar activity index F10.7 is different in winter and summer. The variations of foF2(T1)/foF2(T2) with F10.7 obtained from experimental data are considered from the viewpoint of the current theory of F2-layer formation. It is shown that the majority of observed characteristics of these variations are explained using the above-indicated theory. However, special cases of foF2(T1)/foF2(T2) behavior with solar activity are found for which there is still no physical explanation.