Steepened structures in equatorial spread F: 2. Theory

Abstract

This paper investigates the properties of a one‐dimensional fluid model of plasma convection in the equatorial F region ionosphere. The model equations are similar in form to Burgers equation except for additional higher‐order spatial derivatives. Like Burgers equation, solutions to the model have the form of propagating, shocklike structures. Numerical simulations of the model closely resemble the steepened structures observed by sounding rocket plasma density probes within equatorial spread F. Simulated density power spectra, like the spectra computed from in situ data, seem to possess power law forms with a break at wavelengths of about 100 m. The precise wavenumber of the spectral break is determined by the ambipolar diffusion coefficient. The model predicts that electric field fluctuations perpendicular to the direction of plasma steepening should be proportional to the plasma density fluctuations. Electric field fluctuations parallel to the steepening will be due primarily to the ambipolar field and have a Boltzmann relationship with density (|δE|² ∼ k²|δn/n|²). At wavelengths less than about 300 m, the ambipolar field should be the dominant component of the total field intensity.