Structure of a plasma envelope around rotating magnetized planet

Abstract

Self-consistent axis-symmetric model of a steady-state rotation of the plasma envelope around the magnetized sphere is analyzed taking into consideration the anisotropy of conductivity. A system of electrodynamic and magnetohydrodynamic equations describing both effects of the gravity force, pressure gradient, viscosity and Ampere force is considered in a case of weakly ionized plasma. It is assumed for simplicity that medium mass velocity has an azimuthal component only and that electrons determine the plasma conductivity being “magnetized”, whereas ions are not ‘magnetized’. Obtained results can serve as a basis for qualitative explanation for a number of actual problems of inner plasmasphere physics, in particular, for the Earth and Jupiter. Under the terrestrial conditions these are the superrotation at ionospheric altitudes and generation of the equatorial electrojet.