Pedersen density drift instabilities

Journal Article · Wed Nov 30 23:00:00 EST 1910 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

OSTI ID:7204584

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 collisoins are represented by the addition of BGK model terms to the Vlasov equaiton. The resulting local dispersion equation is used to study the properties of the associated instabilities at ka/sub i/> or 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 kai/sub a/approx. =1 may grow in the auroral ionosphere primarily in the vicinity of 200 km and only if the electron density is sufficiently small.

• Research Organization: Earth and Space Sciences Division, University of California, Los Alamos National Laboratory
• OSTI ID: 7204584
• 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
DISPERSION RELATIONS
DRIFT INSTABILITY
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRON DENSITY
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
IONOSPHERE
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES