High Frequency Drift Waves with Wavelengths Below the Ion Gyroradius in Equatorial Spread F

Abstract

Evidence is given for intense VHF and UHF radar backscatter during equatorial Spread F resulting from irregularities of 1 meter and 36 cm, respectively. The linear theory for high frequency drift waves, generated by the drift-cyclotron and lower-hybrid-drift instabilities, is presented. This linear theory is set forth as a possible explanation for the occurrence of these irregularities below the ion gyroradius. The maximum growth for these instabilities occurs for kr sub e approximately 1, where k is the wavenumber perpendicular to the magnetic field and r sub e is the electron gyroradius. For these instabilities, the growth rate results in growth times than a second. For typical equatorial Spread F ionospheric parameters, the lower-hybrid-drift instability is dominant.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
May 01, 1978
Accession Number
ADA058246

Entities

People

  • D. M. Towle
  • Joseph D. Huba
  • P. K. Chaturvedi
  • Sidney L. Ossakow

Organizations

  • United States Naval Research Laboratory

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Advanced Electronics
  • Space
  • Weapons Technologies

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Backscattering
  • Classification
  • Computer Science
  • Corporations
  • Cyclotrons
  • Electromagnetic Wave Propagation
  • Electronics
  • Electronics Laboratories
  • Electrons
  • Engineering
  • Frequency
  • Instability
  • Magnetic Fields
  • Military Research
  • Navy
  • Physics Laboratories
  • Security

Fields of Study

  • Physics

Readers

  • Astronomy and Astrophysics.
  • Atmospheric Science / Meteorology, specifically Wind Wave Turbulence.

Technology Areas

  • Microelectronics