Multiple Alfven wave reflections excited by Io: origin of the Jovian decametric arcs

Journal Article · Sun Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA086iA02p00717· OSTI ID:6536457

Gurnett, D A; Goertz, C K

The recent Voyager radio astronomy measurements near Jupiter show that the Jovian decametric radiation consists of numerous discrete features called decametric arcs which are observed at all Jovian longitudes. It is generally believed that these arcs are produced by an interaction of Io with the Jovian magnetosphere. In this paper we propose that the large number of decametric arcs is caused by multiple reflections of a standing Alfven wave current system excited by Io. Estimates of the reflection coefficient at the ionosphere and other damping processes show that a large number of reflections can occur, with the Alfven wave current system possibly extending completely around Jupiter. This source geometry can account for a number of otherwise puzzling characteristics of the Jovian decametric radiation.

• Research Organization: Department of Physics and Astronomy, University of Iowa, Iowa city, Iowa 52242
• OSTI ID: 6536457
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 86:A2; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640107* -- Astrophysics & Cosmology-- Planetary Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALFVEN WAVES
ATMOSPHERES
ELECTROMAGNETIC RADIATION
HYDROMAGNETIC WAVES
JUPITER PLANET
MULTIPLE SCATTERING
PLANETARY ATMOSPHERES
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLANETARY MAGNETOSPHERES
PLANETS
RADIATIONS
RADIOWAVE RADIATION
SATELLITES
SCATTERING