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Excitation of strong Langmuir turbulence in the ionosphere: Comparison of theory and observations

Journal Article · · Physics of Fluids B; (United States)
DOI:https://doi.org/10.1063/1.860699· OSTI ID:6518506
 [1];  [2];  [1];  [3]
  1. Theoretical Division, MS B262, Los Alamos National Laboratory, Los Alamos, New Mexico 87545 (United States)
  2. University of Oslo, ITA, P.O. Box 1029, Blindern, N-0315, Oslo (Norway)
  3. Lodestar Research Corporation, 2400 Central Avenue, Boulder, Colorado 80301 (United States)
The predictions of models of strong Langmuir turbulence (SLT) are compared with recent space- and time-resolved radar observations of the power spectra of turbulence induced in the ionosphere by powerful high-frequency (HF) waves. Distinct signatures of caviton dynamics, not predicted by the weak turbulence approximation, are seen in the observations. An improved model of the low-frequency fluctuations for equal electron and ion temperatures is presented as well as a discussion of density profile modification by the induced turbulence.
OSTI ID:
6518506
Journal Information:
Physics of Fluids B; (United States), Journal Name: Physics of Fluids B; (United States) Vol. 5:7; ISSN PFBPEI; ISSN 0899-8221
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English