Physics
Scientific paper
Nov 1979
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979jgr....84.6573r&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 84, Nov. 1, 1979, p. 6573-6579. NSF-supported research.
Physics
Atmospheric Models, Earth Ionosphere, Equatorial Atmosphere, Taylor Instability, Atmospheric Density, Density Distribution, Eigenvalues, Exponential Functions, Plasma Density, Spread F
Scientific paper
A linear theory of the Rayleigh-Taylor instability in the equatorial ionosphere is presented. For a purely exponential density profile, it is found that no unstable eigenmode solutions exist. For a particular model ionosphere with an F peak, unstable eigenmode solutions exist only for sufficiently small horizontal wave numbers. In the latter case, purely exponential growth at a rate identical to that for the sharp boundary instability is found. To clarify the situation in the case that eigenmodes do not exist, the initial-value problem for the linearized ion equation of motion is solved in the long-time asymptotic limit. Ion inertia and ion-neutral collisions are included. On the assumption of straight magnetic field lines, it is found that when eigenmodes do not exist the growth of the response to an impulse is slower than exponential.
Ott Edward
Russell Ann D.
No associations
LandOfFree
The linear theory of the Raleigh-Taylor instability in the equatorial ionosphere 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 linear theory of the Raleigh-Taylor instability in the equatorial ionosphere, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The linear theory of the Raleigh-Taylor instability in the equatorial ionosphere will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-975142