AURORAL MICROPULSATION INSTABILITY,
Abstract
The paper describes a drift instability of Alfven waves driven by the sharp electron thermal gradient at the inner edge of the electron plasma sheet. The analysis predicts a localized instability with wavelengths perpendicular to the magnetic field comparable with an ion cyclotron radius and parallel wavelengths comparable with the length of field lines. The fastest growing wave should have an approximate 10 second period, consistent with observations of Pi 1 micropulsations observed during substorms. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- May 01, 1969
- Accession Number
- AD0691745
Entities
People
- C. F. Kennel
- F. V. Coroniti
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles