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Formation and dynamics of large-scale magnetic structures in the ionosphere of VenusThe formation and dynamics of large-scale magnetic structures in the ionosphere of Venus are examined. It is shown that such structures must be the result of steady state convection of interplanetary field lines into the ionosphere by the small amount of solar wind plasma (less than or approximately equal to 1-5 percent) absorbed by the planetary atmosphere below the ionopause, rather than isolated remnants of large fields persisting for long periods without connection to the solar wind induced current and convection pattern. In particular, it is demonstrated that the magnetic diffusion of such structures would result in their dissipation with time scales of 1-10 min, if they were not steady state structures in convective and diffusive equilibriuim. It is shown that the equations governing the diffusion of these magnetic structures are similar to those governing diffusion of a gas out of an enclosed chamber with a porous wall, and a simple analog is illustrated. The application of these results to magnetic fields of astrophysical plasmas is discussed.
Document ID
19840047995
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Cloutier, P. A.
(Rice University Houston, TX, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
April 1, 1984
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 89
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Lunar And Planetary Exploration
Accession Number
84A30782
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-23338
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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