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On the generation of 3 meter irregularities during equatorial Spread F by low frequency drift waves. Interim report

Technical Report ·
OSTI ID:5730210
The linear theory of low frequency drift waves for parameters typical of the ionosphere during equatorial Spread F was considered. These waves are considered to be generated by density gradients associated with long wavelength primary plasma fluid instabilities (e.g., collisional Rayleigh-Taylor). We include electron-ion, electron-neutral and ion-ion collisions in our analysis. We find that a collisional drift wave can occur in the 3 meter regime but that it is heavily damped by ion viscosity. For density gradient scale lengths approx. greater than 75m, it is required that n < 1/2000 cc for wave excitation to occur.
Research Organization:
Naval Research Lab., Washington, DC (USA)
OSTI ID:
5730210
Report Number(s):
AD-A-068580
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English