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Observations of intense velocity shear and associated electrostatic waves near an auroral arcSimultaneous measurements of energetic particles and ac electric fields made by the javelin sounding rocket NASA 8:56 during the late expansion phase of a magnetic storm have revealed an intense shear in plasma flow of magnitude 20 (m/s)/m at the edge of an auroral arc. Structure with two characteristic scales sizes is displayed in the region of shear. Larger structures are of the order of several kilometers in size. Intense irregularities with characteristic wavelengths smaller than the scale size of the shear have also been detected. The large-scale changes in the orientation of the charge sheet at the edge of the arc may be due to the Kelvin-Helmholtz branch; shorter-wavelength modes may be related to the shear driven resistive drift wave. Observations are consistent with the suggestion that velocity shear instabilities may play a role in the formation of high-latitude irregularities.
Document ID
19770054324
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kelley, M. C.
(Cornell University Ithaca, N.Y., United States)
Carlson, C. W.
(California, University Berkeley, Calif., United States)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 82
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
77A37176
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-003-239
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-75-04269
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-35-010-161
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-05-003-445
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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