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Intense localized disturbances of the auroral ionosphere

Journal Article · · Cosmic Res. (Engl. Transl.); (United States)
OSTI ID:5683801
The results are presented of a comprehensive study of strong ionospheric disturbances with a spatial scale of 1-10 km at altitudes of 900 km, which was carried out on the Interkosmos Bolgariya-1300 satellite. The localized disturbances are characterized by the appearance of high-amplitude transverse electric fields, small-scale vortex motions of the ionospheric plasma with velocities up to 4.5 km/sec, narrow current sheets with a current density up to 10/sup -4/ ..mu cap alpha../m/sup 2/, bursts of precipitating 1-keV electrons, variations in the ionospheric plasma concentration, and a significant increase in wave activity. The set of data is best explained by the excitation of oblique Alfven waves and the development of anomalous resistivity.
OSTI ID:
5683801
Journal Information:
Cosmic Res. (Engl. Transl.); (United States), Journal Name: Cosmic Res. (Engl. Transl.); (United States) Vol. 23:3; ISSN CSCRA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English