Ring current impoundment of the Io plasma torus

Details Ring current impoundment of the Io plasma torus Ring current impoundment of the Io plasma torus

Sep 1981

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1981jgr....86.8480s&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 86, Sept. 30, 1981, p. 8480-8484.

Physics

79

Io, Plasmasphere, Ring Currents, Satellite Atmospheres, Space Plasmas, Centrifugal Force, Diffusion Coefficient, Earth Magnetosphere, Nonuniform Plasmas, Plasma Density, Plasma Diagnostics, Plasma Diffusion, Plasma-Particle Interactions, Space Exploration, Toroidal Plasmas, Jupiter, Satellites, Io, Plasma Torus, Currents, Formation, Density, Gradients, Mass, Transport, Ultraviolet, Wavelengths, Emissions, Ions, Pressure, Data, Mathematical Models, Magnetic Properties, Energy, Flux

Scientific paper

A newly discovered feature in the Io plasma formation that may be described as a ramp separating a high-density plasma ledge on its Jupiterward side from the lower-density radially distended Io plasma disc on its anti-Jupiterward side is observed to coincide with a marked inward decrease in the ring current population. The spatial congruency of the counter-directed maximal gradients in both plasma bodies reveals a profound coupling between them. The existence of the ramp requires a local order-of-magnitude reduction in the diffusion coefficient that governs radial mass transport. It is demonstrated that the diminished diffusive efficiency there is caused by strong pressure gradient inhibition of the interchange instability that underlies mass transport. The Io plasma torus, which is defined as the region of strong ultraviolet emissions, is identified as the plasma ledge. The plasma density in the ledge is high and, incidentally therefore, able to emit strongly because it is impounded against rapid, centrifugal expulsion by the inwardly directed pressure of the ring current at its inner edge.

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