Abstract
Ionospheric plasmas containing density gradients are subject to a gradient drift instability under the influence of an externally applied electric field or neutral wind. In this paper we present electric field wave data from the Sudden Atom Layers sounding rocket showing a pure gradient drift instability on the topside of a 1 km thick sporadic E layer. An outer scale of 50 m was determined. Considering the local linear growth rate and the mapping of the electric field structures along magnetic field lines, we conclude that structures with scales larger than 50 m perpendicular to the magnetic field map into regions of linear stability where they are damped. The free energy is localized in wavenumber space, yielding peak fluctuating fields of 6 mV/m, corresponding to electron drifts over 190 m/s and a cascade of energy to meter scales.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
