a Theory for the Asymmetry in the Auroral Ionization Density Profile for the Generation of Auroral Infrasonic Waves.
Abstract
Theoretical calculations, beginning with a model of an auroral precipitation region, are presented to show that there can be a significant difference in the transverse ionization density profiles between an auroral arc that is moving equatorward and an arc that is moving poleward, for a given equatorward-directed E-region ambient electric field. The calculation was accomplished by solving the equations of motion and continuity for the cross-sectional ionization density profile associated with the transverse motion of a filamentary auroral electrojet. Thus it is shown that there is an asymmetry in the ionization profiles associated with moving arcs, and in their coupling, that is related to the relative direction of motion of the arc with respect to the ambient electric field, and that it is this asymmetry that is probably the cause of the observed AIW reception asymmetry.
- Publication:
-
Ph.D. Thesis
- Pub Date:
- 1979
- Bibcode:
- 1979PhDT........25G
- Keywords:
-
- Physics: Atmospheric Science;
- Auroral Ionization;
- Infrasonic Frequencies;
- Ionospheric Ion Density;
- Lower Ionosphere;
- Symmetry;
- Wave Propagation;
- Bow Waves;
- E Region;
- Elastic Waves;
- Electrojets;
- Equations Of Motion;
- Ionization Cross Sections;
- Traveling Waves;
- Geophysics