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Ion-neutral momentum coupling near discrete high-latitude ionospheric featuresA two-dimensional numerical model is developed to study the momentum coupling between the ionosphere and neutral atmosphere in the vicinity of discrete high-latitude features, such as convection channels and plasma density troughs. Based on generalized magnetohydrodynamic equations the model takes account of global pressure gradients, viscous dissipation, ion drag, the Coriolis force, and electrodynamic drifts. Among the findings of an initial steady state investigation are the following: (1) in convection channels, significant shears and rotations of the thermospheric flow can occur below 200 km if a minimum in the electron density profile is present between the E and F regions; (2) in convection channels, the thermospheric wind decreases with height in the F region owing to the effects of horizontal viscosity; and (3) at low altitudes, the boundaries of convection channels may produce Ekman spirals.
Document ID
19820033337
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
St-Maurice, J.-P.
(Utah State Univ. Logan, UT, United States)
Schunk, R. W.
(Utah State University of Agriculture and Applied Science, Logan, UT, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1981
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 86
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
82A16872
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-77
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-80-15497
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-79-13748
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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