The role of critical velocity ionization phenomena in the atmosphere of Io

Abstract

The Alfven's critical ionization velocity (CIV) have been observed in a number of laboratory and space experiments. In the Io-torus system, relative velocity of the plasma species in the torus with respect to the neutral species in the Io's atmosphere and neutral cloud exceeds the critical velocity required for CIV. Townsand condition is satisfied up to 6r io , in the neutral cloud when Io passes through the torus. In this paper it is shown that during the passage of Io through the plasma torus, apart from critical velocity and Townsand condition, a number of other requirements are also satisfied. Therefore, it is concluded that, the CIV mechanism must play an important role in ionizing the neutral cloud and enriching the plasma torus.