Certain Effects of Plasma Jetting Across and Along Magnetic Fields.
Abstract
We examine certain plasma effects associated with plasma jetting across and along magnetic field lines during the early-time phase of high-altitude nuclear events. It is shown that plasma jetting across the magnetic field may lead to prompt striations at higher altitudes (well in excess of four hundred kilometers) following a STARFISH type of nuclear burst. Superthermal ions with velocities less than the maximum velocity can participate in the striation formation. It is also demonstrated that ions and electrons travelling along magnetic field lines can be pitch angle scattered by waves through a cyclotron resonance process. An example is presented which shows that ion-cyclotron resistivity caused by interaction with Alfven waves can slow the motion of oxygen ions along magnetic field lines following a nuclear burst. The implication of cyclotron resistivity is that high-energy particles deposit their energy closer to their source than would otherwise be predicted. (Author)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Apr 30, 1981
- Accession Number
- ADA123630
Entities
People
- J. L. Sperling
- N. A. Krall