Virtual height

{
  "id": "MLC-T-MET-010025",
  "term": "Virtual height",
  "field": "Meteorology and atmospheric science",
  "definition": "The apparent height from which a radio wave appears to be reflected in the ionosphere, calculated from the time delay between the transmission of a pulse and the reception of its echo. This height is typically greater than the actual physical height of reflection due to the reduction in wave speed within the ionized medium. It is a concept used in ionospheric sounding to characterize the electron density profile of the upper atmosphere.",
  "see_also": [
    "scale height"
  ],
  "url": "https://mlchart.com/terminology/meteorology/virtual-height/"
}