Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Dec 2001
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2001jgr...10629633g&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 106, Issue A12, p. 29633-29644
Physics
Plasma Physics
21
Magnetospheric Physics: Auroral Phenomena, Space Plasma Physics: Numerical Simulation Studies, Space Plasma Physics: Wave/Particle Interactions
Scientific paper
We use a new nonlinear guiding center particle in cell code to investigate the role of Alfvén waves in the auroral particle acceleration. The propagation of an Alfvén wave in an inhomogeneous auroral plasma, described by a density cavity, is considered. Parallel electric fields are generated on the edges of the cavity, leading to an efficient electron acceleration and to the formation of electron beams. A beam-plasma instability takes place. It evolves nonlinearly, and small-scale electrostatic structures are created and propagate at a velocity close to the Alfvén velocity. A first category of these structures could be assimilated to weak double layers, whereas a second may be related to electron phase space holes. This study demonstrates the potential importance of Alfvén waves in the auroral acceleration and the coupling between large-scale electromagnetic and small-scale electrostatic phenomena.
Génot Vincent
Louarn Ph.
Mottez Fabrice
No associations
LandOfFree
Fast evolving spatial structure of auroral parallel electric fields 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 Fast evolving spatial structure of auroral parallel electric fields, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Fast evolving spatial structure of auroral parallel electric fields will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1104813