Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Jun 1998
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1998georl..25.2041e&link_type=abstract
Geophysical Research Letters, Volume 25, Issue 12, p. 2041-2044
Physics
Plasma Physics
218
Magnetospheric Physics: Auroral Phenomena, Magnetospheric Physics: Electric Fields, Space Plasma Physics: Wave/Particle Interactions, Space Plasma Physics: Electrostatic Structures
Scientific paper
We report observations of ``fast solitary waves'' that are ubiquitous in downward current regions of the mid-altitude auroral zone. The single-period structures have large amplitudes (up to 2.5 V/m), travel much faster than the ion acoustic speed, carry substantial potentials (up to ~100 Volts), and are associated with strong modulations of energetic electron fluxes. The amplitude and speed of the structures distinguishes them from ion-acoustic solitary waves or weak double layers. The electromagnetic signature appears to be that of a positive charge (electron hole) traveling anti-earthward. We present evidence that the structures are in or near regions of magnetic-field-aligned electric fields and propose that these nonlinear structures play a key role in supporting parallel electric fields in the downward current region of the auroral zone.
Carlson Carl W.
Cattell Cynthia A.
Chaston Christopher. C.
Delory Gregory T.
Elphic Richard
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