Langmuir turbulence in the auroral ionosphere 1: Linear theory

Details Langmuir turbulence in the auroral ionosphere 1: Linear theory Langmuir turbulence in the auroral ionosphere 1: Linear theory

Apr 1994

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1994jgr....99.6367n&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227), vol. 99, no. A4, p. 6367-6376

Physics

Geophysics

20

Auroral Zones, Electric Fields, Electrostatic Probes, Field Aligned Currents, Plasma Turbulence, Plasma Waves, Geomagnetism, Geophysics, Magnetic Signatures, Space Plasmas, Wave Interaction

Scientific paper

Intense bursts of Langmuir waves with electric fields of 50 to 500 mV / m have been frequently observed at altitudes greater than 500 km in the auroral ionosphere. These bursts are driven by 20 eV to 4 keV field-aligned electrons, which are embedded in an approximately isotropic nonthermal tail of scattered electrons. The Langmuir bursts are often observed at altitudes where the ionosphere is moderately magnetized (OMEGA (sub e) approximately equals omega (sub pe)). Both the moderate magnetization and the scattered electrons have a major influence on the linear dispersion and damping of Langmuir waves. In particular, the linear dispersion is topologically different depending on whether the magnetic field is subcritical (OMEGA (sub e) less than omega (sub pe)) or supercritical (OMEGA (sub e) greater than omega (sub pe)). The correct dispersion and damping can account for the observed polarization of the Langmuir waves, which is very nearly parallel to the geomagnetic field. Inferred properties of the linear instability driven by the field-aligned electrons are discussed. The linear dispersion and damping derived here provide the basis for a nonlinear turbulence study described in a companion paper (Newman et al., this issue).

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Langmuir turbulence in the auroral ionosphere 1: Linear theory 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 Langmuir turbulence in the auroral ionosphere 1: Linear theory, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Langmuir turbulence in the auroral ionosphere 1: Linear theory will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1258861