Numerical studies of type 2 equatorial electrojet irregularity development

Journal Article · Sat Mar 01 04:00:00 EDT 1975 · Radio Science

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/RS010i003p00247· OSTI ID:4169838

McDonald, B. E.; Coffey, T. P.; Ossakow, S. L.; Sudan, R. N.

A computer simulation based on fluid equations of motion seems to account for basic observational features of short wavelength type 2 (subsonically propagating) ionization irregularities in the equatorial electrojet. The short wavelengths (less than 28 m for parameters taken here) are excited only after long wavelength, horizontally propagating waves grow to an amplitude sufficient to trigger the nonlinear growth of secondary vertically propagating modes. The result is a complicated two-dimensional turbulent flow, with convective elements moving with comparable vertical and horizontal velocities.The density fluctuation power spectrum obeys approximately a power law k^-3.5. Lastly, these results agree with theory and observation.

• Research Organization: Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-33-001787
• OSTI ID: 4169838
• Journal Information: Radio Science, Journal Name: Radio Science Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 10; ISSN 0048-6604
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

*ELECTROJETS-- VARIATIONS
640203* --Physics Research--Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena
COMPUTER CODES
DENSITY
DRIFT INSTABILITY
EQUATIONS OF MOTION
EQUATOR
FLUCTUATIONS
IONIZATION
N58300* --Physics (Atmospheric)--Magnetospheric Phenomena
NUMERICAL SOLUTION
RADAR
SIMULATION
TURBULENT FLOW
VELOCITY
WAVE PROPAGATION