Observations of paired electrostatic shocks in the polar magnetosphere

Journal Article · Mon Feb 07 04:00:00 EST 1977 · Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1103/PhysRevLett.38.292· OSTI ID:7330015

Mozer, F S; Carlson, C W; Hudson, M K; Torbert, R B; Parady, B; Yatteau, J; Kelley, M C

dc and ac plasma-density and vector-electric-field detectors on a polar orbiting satellite have measured spatially confined regions of extremely large (approx.1/2 V/m) electric fields in the auroral zone at altitudes below 8000 km. Such regions frequently have double structures of opposing electric fields containing characteristic and different waves spectra internal and external to themselves. These structures are identified as paired electrostatic shocks which are associated with electrostatic ion cyclotron wave turbulence.

• Research Organization: Physics Department and Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
• OSTI ID: 7330015
• Journal Information: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Phys. Rev. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 38:6; ISSN PRLTA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AURORAL ZONES
CHARGED PARTICLES
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTROSTATICS
HYDROGEN IONS
INSTABILITY
ION ACOUSTIC WAVES
ION WAVES
IONOSPHERE
IONS
MAGNETOSPHERE
OXYGEN IONS
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA WAVES
SATELLITES
TURBULENCE