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Ionosphere: meaning, definitions and examples

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ionosphere

 

[ aɪˈɒnəˌsfɪər ]

Noun
Context #1 | Noun

atmospheric science

The ionosphere is a region of the Earth's upper atmosphere, ranging from about 30 miles (48 kilometers) to about 600 miles (965 kilometers) above the surface, where solar radiation ionizes the air. This area is crucial for radio wave propagation and is influenced by solar activity.

Synonyms

ionized layer, upper atmosphere

Examples of usage

  • Radio waves can be reflected by the ionosphere.
  • The ionosphere plays a key role in satellite communication.
  • Solar storms can disrupt the ionosphere, affecting navigation systems.

Translations

Translations of the word "ionosphere" in other languages:

🇵🇹 ionosfera

🇮🇳 आयनमंडल

🇩🇪 Ionosphäre

🇮🇩 ionosfer

🇺🇦 іоносфера

🇵🇱 jonosfera

🇯🇵 電離層

🇫🇷 ionosphère

🇪🇸 ionosfera

🇹🇷 iyonosfer

🇰🇷 이온층

🇸🇦 الأيونوسفير

🇨🇿 ionosféra

🇸🇰 ionosféra

🇨🇳 电离层

🇸🇮 ionosfera

🇮🇸 jónasfæri

🇰🇿 ионисфера

🇬🇪 იონოსფერო

🇦🇿 ionosfer

🇲🇽 ionosfera

Word origin

The term 'ionosphere' was first introduced in the early 20th century, derived from 'ion', which refers to charged particles, and 'sphere', indicating a region or layer. The study of the ionosphere began in earnest with the advent of radio technology, as scientists discovered that this layer of the atmosphere affected the propagation of radio waves. Research into the ionosphere expanded significantly during the 1930s and 1940s, particularly during World War II when understanding radio communication became crucial. The ionosphere is now understood to be influenced by various factors, including solar radiation and cosmic events, making it a significant subject of study in both atmospheric sciences and space weather.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,935, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.