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On the nature of large auroral zone electric fields at 1-R/E/ altitudeMechanisms that may support magnetic-field-aligned electric fields in collisionless plasma are discussed in the light of recent magnetospheric observations, which for the first time allow a quantitative test of the theoretical models. Data from barium ion releases which indicate large field-aligned potential drops and direct electric field probe measurements at high altitude which reveal electric fields of several hundred millivolts per meter are discussed. It is concluded that the large field strengths observed (1) cannot be explained by anomalous resistivity or thermoelectric effects based on wave-particle interaction, (2) are much larger than required merely to balance the local mirror forces, and (3) are compatible with electric double layers of the same nature as those observed in the laboratory.
Document ID
19780046152
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Shawhan, S. D.
(Royal Inst. of Tech. Stockholm, Sweden)
Falthammar, C.-G.
(Royal Inst. of Tech. Stockholm, Sweden)
Block, L. P.
(Kungl. Tekniska Hogskolan Stockholm, Sweden)
Date Acquired
August 9, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1978
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 83
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
78A30061
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-16-001-002
CONTRACT_GRANT: SBSA-DR-1206
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-76-82739
CONTRACT_GRANT: SRCS-NFR-2363-010
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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