What Supports the Weight of the Ionosphere.
Abstract
This paper discusses the various physical processes which support the weight of the ionosphere. First, the investigation discusses the situation at the magnetic equator where the geomagnetic field is horizontal and then later discusses the mid-latitude region. It is found that at the magnetic equator, the different velocities of the ions and electrons creates a polarization current and subsequent electric field. When collisions are added, this provides a drag on the upward motion of the plasma and this is balanced by a change in the eastward electric field. When the geomagnetic field is not horizontal, viscous interaction with the neutral atmosphere generates currents and electric fields to counter-balance the gravitational force. (AN)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Oct 05, 1992
- Accession Number
- ADA293575
Entities
People
- Francis S. Johnson
Organizations
- University of Texas at Dallas