The temperature gradient drift instability at the equatorward edge of the ionospheric plasma trough

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1976 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA081i022p03913· OSTI ID:7350829

Hudson, M K; Kelly, M C

In this paper we have examined the fluid equations relevant to the ionosphere above 400 km in a region of horizontal gradients in plasma density and electron temperature such as those detected near the ionospheric projection of the plasmapause. The equations are unstable to growth of the temperature gradient drift mode. Electric field fluctuations have been observed in this region of the ionosphere by two independent electric field experiments flown on separate satellites. In one case (Ogo 6) simultaneous measurements of density and electron temperature were made. By using these data the growth rate of the temperature gradient drift mode is calculated and plotted as a function of distance along the trajectory and is shown to peak in the region where the irregularities were detected. Thus we conclude that the temperature gradient drift mode may contribute to the growth of irregularities at the equatorward edge of the ionospheric plasma trough. (AIP)

• Research Organization: Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
• OSTI ID: 7350829
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 81:22; 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
DRIFT INSTABILITY
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRON TEMPERATURE
INSTABILITY
IONOSPHERE
OGO SATELLITES
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA MICROINSTABILITIES
PLASMAPAUSE
SATELLITES