Effective Collision Frequency and Radio Frequency Conductivity in the Magnetosphere

Abstract

The electron density and electron temperature profiles have been chosen, and with help of these data the effective electron collision frequency along various geomagnetic lines of force have been calculated. The effective electron collision frequency in the entire magnetosphere is very low (ν = 1–10−4 sec.−1). The effective collision frequency profile in the upper ionosphere has been calculated which agrees well the measured values. Using effective electron collision frequency we have calculated the radio frequency conductivity of magnetospheric plasma from two considerations, namely the kinetic theory considerations and with the help of Boltzmann transport equation. The results obtained from both the methods are compared and applicability of both the methods are discussed. The role of radio frequency conductivity in electromagnetic wave propagation has been discussed. It is argued that the electron density inhomogeneity or plasma turbulence may decrease the conductivity considerably giving rise to large electric field which energizes the charged particles moving along the geomagnetic lines of force.