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Convergent instability in the ionosphere

Journal Article · · Radiophysics and Quantum Electronics
OSTI ID:57015
A linear theory of the convergent instability (CI) of ionospheric plasma associated with the nonuniform nature of its regular motion is examined. The conditions under which CI appears in the E- and F-layers for vertical ion motion caused by various physical factors are analyzed. The possibility of small-scale strongly geomagnetic-field-aligned nonuniformities of electron concentration (l{sub min} {approximately} 10-30 m) is demonstrated. The altitude dependence of collision frequency is shown to play a large role in CI.
OSTI ID:
57015
Journal Information:
Radiophysics and Quantum Electronics, Journal Name: Radiophysics and Quantum Electronics Journal Issue: 10 Vol. 36; ISSN 0033-8443; ISSN RPQEAC
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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