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Modulational instability of lower hybrid waves at the magnetopauseThe role of lower bybrid waesat the magnetopause is reexamined. It is found that for the maximum observed wave power, the lower hybrid waves are unstable to a modulational instability on the magnetosheath side of the magnetopause. The modulational instabitlity leads to localized field structures oriented predominantly along the magnetic field. Such patchy lower hybrid turbulence has been observed by some spacecraft. As a result of the large T(sub i)/T(sub e) ratio, the waves saturate by ion heating; as a result, unlike other settings (e.g. comets, critical ionization phenomena) energetic electrons are not expected. The stochasitc electron transport in the presence of such turbulence is analyzed and results in strongly anistropic electron diffusion, with the dominant direction across the magnetic field. The diffusion rate exceeds significantly that expected from quasi-linear considerations and, for magnetospause parameters, also exceeds the rate discussed by Sonnerup (1980).
Document ID
19950048223
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
External Source(s)
Authors
Shapiro, V. D.
(Univ. of California, La Jolla, CA United States)
Shevchenko, V. I.
(Univ. of California, La Jolla, CA United States)
Cargill, P. J.
(Naval Research Laboratory, Washington, DC United States)
Papadopoulos, K.
(Univ. of Maryland, College Park, MD United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1994
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 99
Issue: A12
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
95A79822
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-91-23560
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-1101
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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