The modelled occurrence of non-thermal plasma in the ionospheric F-region and the possible consequences for ion outflows into the magnetosphere

Details The modelled occurrence of non-thermal plasma in the ionospheric F-region and the possible consequences for ion outflows into the magnetosphere The modelled occurrence of non-thermal plasma in the ionospheric F-region and the possible consequences for ion outflows into the magnetosphere

Apr 1987

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1987georl..14..371l&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters (ISSN 0094-8276), vol. 14, April 1987, p. 371-374.

Physics

27

Atmospheric Models, Earth Magnetosphere, F Region, Ion Motion, Space Plasmas, Kp Index, Radar Data, Spatial Distribution, Thermosphere, Time Dependence, Velocity Distribution

Scientific paper

A global, time-dependent, three-dimensional, coupled ionosphere-thermosphere model is used to predict the spatial distribution of nonthermal plasma in the F-layer. It is shown that, even for steady-state conditions with Kp as low as three, the difference between the ion and neutral velocities often exceeds the neutral thermal speed by a factor, D-prime, which can be as large as four. Theoretically, highly non-Maxwellian, and probably toroidal, ion velocity distributions are expected when D-prime exceeds about 1.5. The lack of response of the neutral winds to sunward ion drifts in the dawn sector of the auroral oval cause this to be the region most likely to contain toroidal distributions. The maximum in D-prime is found in the throat region of the convection pattern, where the strong neutral winds of the afternoon sector meet the eastward ion flows of the morning sector. These predictions are of interest, not only to radar scientists searching for nonthermal ionospheric plasma, but also as one possible explanation of the initial heating and upward flows of ions in the cleft ion fountain and nightside auroral oval, both of which are a major source of plasma for the magnetosphere.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The modelled occurrence of non-thermal plasma in the ionospheric F-region and the possible consequences for ion outflows into the magnetosphere does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with The modelled occurrence of non-thermal plasma in the ionospheric F-region and the possible consequences for ion outflows into the magnetosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The modelled occurrence of non-thermal plasma in the ionospheric F-region and the possible consequences for ion outflows into the magnetosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1348166