An almost two-dimensional approach to type 2 irregularities in the equatorial electrojet

Journal Article · Sun Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1991 · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/91JA01547· OSTI ID:5180583

Albert, J M ^[1]; Similon, P L ^[2]; Sudan, R N ^[3]

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1. Air Force Geophysics Lab., Hanscom AFB, MA (United States)
2. Yale Univ., New Haven, CT (United States)
3. Cornell Univ., Ithaca, NY (United States)

A recently developed theory of almost two-dimensional turbulence, is applied to E {times} B fluctuations in the E region equatorial electrojet. This theory of plasma turbulence in an external magnetic field extends strictly two-dimensional theory to include weak phase variations along the magnetic field. Based on the direct interaction approximation of Kraichnan, it describes the tendency of spectra energy to transfer nonlinearly towards modes with high k{sub {parallel}} despite strong linear damping of these modes. Here, the authors discuss application of this theory to the aspect angle k{sub {parallel}}/k of fluctuations at 3-m scales, for which radar backscatter measurements have been made. Allowing for uncertainty in characterizing the plasma turbulence, they find good agreement except at the lowest altitudes of the electrojet.

• OSTI ID: 5180583
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States) Vol. 96:A9; ISSN 0148-0227; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
CURRENTS
DRIFT INSTABILITY
E REGION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROJETS
ENERGY TRANSFER
EQUATOR
EVALUATION
INSTABILITY
INTERACTIONS
IONOSPHERE
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA DRIFT
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
TURBULENCE
VARIATIONS