On the Generation of 3Meter Irregularities During Equatorial Spread F by Low Frequency Drift Waves.

摘要

The linear theory of low frequency drift waves for parameters typical of the ionosphere during equatorial Spread F was considered. These waves are considered to be generated by density gradients associated with long wavelength primary plasma fluid instabilities (e.g., collisional Rayleigh-Taylor). We include electron-ion, electron-neutral and ion-ion collisions in our analysis. We find that a collisional drift wave can occur in the 3 meter regime but that it is heavily damped by ion viscosity. For density gradient scale lengths aprox. greater than 75m, it is required that n <1/2000 cc for wave excitation to occur. (Author)