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Nonlinear theory of type II irregularities in the equatorial electrojet

Journal Article · · Phys. Fluids; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.862997· OSTI ID:5661339

The two fluid equations of motion describing type II irregularities in the equatorial electrojet are reformulated in terms of a scalar and vector potential for the fluid momentum densities. Elimination of the vector potential yields a single equation, first order in time, for the time evolution of the ionization density. Following Sudan and Keskinen, this equation is solved in the direct interaction approximation for the nonlinear spectral width of the two-dimensional, steady-state turbulence. Numerical results are given for the power law wavenumber spectrum which results from theoretical considerations, computer simulations, and observations of type II irregularities. These results extend the work of Sudan and Keskinen to smaller wavenumbers and higher levels of turbulence.

Research Organization:
Polytechnic Institute of New York, Long Island Center, Farmingdale, New York 11735
OSTI ID:
5661339
Journal Information:
Phys. Fluids; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Fluids; (United States) Vol. 23:3; ISSN PFLDA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English