A PLASMA INSTABILITY RESULTING IN FIELD-ALIGNED IRREGULARITIES IN THE IONOSPHERE
Journal Article
·
· Journal of Geophysical Research (U.S.)
A theory of the two-stream ion wave instability in a plasma is developed that takes into account both the effect of collisions of the ions and electrons with neutral particles and the presence of a uniform magnetic field. Applying the results to the ionosphere, it is found that irregularities of ionization density should arise spontaneously in regions in which a sufficiently strong current is flowing normal to the magnetic field lines. These irregularities will be strongly aligned with the magnetic field and may have a wide range of wavelengths. The various predictions of the theory are in agreement with the observed characteristics of certain field-aligned irregularities found in the equatorial ionosphere that are associated with the equatorial electrojet. Similar irregularities often appear in the polar ionosphere during auroral displays; it seems very likely that these are caused by the auroral electrojet. (auth)
- Research Organization:
- Jicamarca Radar Observatory, Lima
- Sponsoring Organization:
- USDOE
- NSA Number:
- NSA-18-003000
- OSTI ID:
- 4149407
- Journal Information:
- Journal of Geophysical Research (U.S.), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research (U.S.) Vol. Vol: 68; ISSN JGREA
- Country of Publication:
- Country unknown/Code not available
- Language:
- English
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