What can be deduced from sporadic-E data

The results of fundamental work based on the large amount of vertical sounding data, suggest a regular behaviour for the sporadic-E (Es) layer. In order to check the regularity of the Es layer appearance, a statistical analysis of its parameters, recorded by hourly ionospheric sounding at Grocka (44.6/spl deg/N, 20.8/spl deg/E), from 1978-1982, was carried out. A method for the determination of the local neutral wind pattern from the diurnal distribution of Es layer heights, is proposed.