Pedersen density drift instabilities

Journal Article · Thu Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1983 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA088iA12p10104· OSTI ID:6901598

Gary, S P; Cole, T E

This paper describes the linear kinetic theory of electrostatic drift instabilities driven by Pedersen and density drift velocities. The model uses a uniform magnetic field B = zB; a weak, uniform density gradient in the x direction; and a weak, uniform electric field in the y direction. Weak charged-neutral collisions are represented by the addition of BGK model terms to the Vlasov equation. The resulting local dispersion equation is used to study the properties of the associated instabilities at ka/sub i/ approx.> 1 (where k is the wave number and a/sub i/ is the ion gyroradius). Results show that the E x B gradient drift instability at ka/sub i/ approx.= 1 may grow in the auroral ionosphere primarily in the vicinity of 200 km and only if the electron density is sufficiently small. 2 figures.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM
• OSTI ID: 6901598
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 88:A12; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BOLTZMANN-VLASOV EQUATION
DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
DRIFT INSTABILITY
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROSTATICS
EQUATIONS
INSTABILITY
IONOSPHERE
PARTIAL DIFFERENTIAL EQUATIONS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA DRIFT
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES