Three Dimensional Equilibrium and Stability of Ionospheric Plasma Clouds
Abstract
The equilibrium and stability of three dimensional ionospheric plasma clouds is investigated. The equilibrium density profile is assumed to be a 3D waterbag with a circular cross-section transverse to B, and an ellipsoidal cross-section parallel to B. The equilibrium potential consists of two parts: a polarization potential driven by a uniform neutral wind, and an ambipolar potential driven by parallel electron pressure. The latter potential is shown to cause sheared azimuthal plasma flows perpendicular to B. A stability analysis of this equilibrium is carried out. It is found that the E X B instability, which causes the structuring of ionospheric plasma clouds, can be stabilized by the azimuthal flow. A marginal stability criterion is derived. On the basis of this stability criteria, striations of barium clouds in the ionospheric F region should be stable to further bifurcation, as is observed. Keywords: Barium clouds; Ionospheric disturbances; E x B instability.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 22, 1989
- Accession Number
- ADA207036
Entities
People
- J. F. Drake
- Joseph D. Huba
- M. Mulbrandon
Organizations
- United States Naval Research Laboratory