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Numerical simulations of type II gradient drift irregularities in the equatorial electrojet

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

Two-dimensional numerical studies of the development of type II irregularities in the equatorial electrojet have been carried out using a method similar to that of McDonald et al., (1974) except that ion inertia has been neglected. This simplification is shown to be a valid approximation whenever the electron drift velocity is small in comparison with the ion acoustic velocity and the values of the other parameters are those appropriate for the equatorial E layer. This code enables us to follow the development of quasi-steady state turbulence from appropriate initial pertubations. The two-dimensional turbulent spectrum of electron density perturbations excited is studied both for the case of devlopment from initial perturbations and for the case of a continuously pumped single driving wave.

Research Organization:
Laboratory of Plasma Studies, Cornell University, Ithaca, New York 14853
OSTI ID:
7109948
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 82:16; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English