virtual height

The apparent height of a layer in the ionosphere, determined from the time required for a radio pulse to travel to the layer and return, assuming that the pulse propagates at the speed of light. Also known as equivalent height.

Related terms:

• scale height
• geopotential height
• wave height
• Gage Height
• height-change line
• virtual gravity
• virtual pressure
• virtual temperature
• geodynamic height
• e-folding height