ISSN:
1089-7674
Source:
AIP Digital Archive
Topics:
Physics
Notes:
A theoretical model for plasma instability in the equatorial F region of the nighttime ionosphere that takes into account the time-dependent aspect of the ambient plasma, where the density gradient increases with time, and that allows variation of mode amplitudes both along the geomagnetic field line and along the vertical direction is presented. The instability is excited due to the combined effects of the gravity and an eastward electric field in the presence of a density gradient, and the time-dependent density gradient arises because of the E0×B0 upward drift of the plasma and the decreasing (with altitude) recombination rate. The model is used to study the linear evolution of the instability and some results of the analysis are reported. The spatially localized plasma modes, predicted by the model, are consistent with the experimental observations. Due to the time-dependent density gradient, growth of the plasma modes is enhanced over what is obtained when the time dependence is ignored, and this enhancement increases with time.
Type of Medium:
Electronic Resource
URL:
http://dx.doi.org/10.1063/1.872873
