Wave structure in the Venus ionosphere downstream of the terminator

Details Wave structure in the Venus ionosphere downstream of the terminator Wave structure in the Venus ionosphere downstream of the terminator

Nov 1983

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1983georl..10.1116b&link_type=abstract

Geophysical Research Letters (ISSN 0094-8276), vol. 10, Nov. 1983, p. 1116-1119.

Physics

20

Ionospheric Electron Density, Planetary Ionospheres, Plasma Waves, Venus Atmosphere, Night, Pioneer Venus 1 Spacecraft, Plasma Pressure, Venus, Waves, Structure, Ionosphere, Pioneer Venus, Orbiters, Pvo, Electrons, Density, Temperature, Magnetic Fields, Characteristics, Observations, Wavelengths, Amplitude, Energy, Plasmas, Pressure, Origin, Source, Nightside, Equipment

Scientific paper

In the lower ionosphere of Venus, just nightward of the terminator, instruments on the Pioneer Venus Orbiter have revealed nearly coherent wave trains in the electron density, N(e), temperature, T(e), and in the east-west component of the magnetic field, B(E). These waves exist primarily below 200 km. They have north-south wavelengths of the order of 150 km and amplitudes in N(e) and T(e) of about a factor of 2 or 3. B(E) has an amplitude of about 30 nT but no net value averaged over the waves. A unique phase relationship exists between these three parameters. N(e) and T(e) vary approximately inversely, suggesting that the waves represent vertical plasma motions. N(e) maxima and minima tend to occur at zero crossings of B(E), i.e., within regions of vertical current. The wave energy is believed to be derived from the steep plasma pressure gradient at the terminator which accelerates ionospheric plasma nightward. The generation process is unknown, but it may involve gradient driven interchange instabilities, or shear instabilities produced by ion-neutral drag at lower altitudes. Whatever their origin, the waves are important because they represent an energy sink for the transterminator flow that is largely responsible for the maintenance of the nightside ionosphere.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Wave structure in the Venus ionosphere downstream of the terminator 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 Wave structure in the Venus ionosphere downstream of the terminator, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Wave structure in the Venus ionosphere downstream of the terminator will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1485653