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Coherent anomalous resistivity in the region of electrostatic shocks
Author(s) -
Lysak R. L.,
Hudson M. K.
Publication year - 1979
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/gl006i008p00661
Subject(s) - physics , cyclotron , turbulence , amplitude , electric field , electrical resistivity and conductivity , electron , atomic physics , computational physics , plasma , range (aeronautics) , geophysics , ion , meteorology , optics , materials science , nuclear physics , quantum mechanics , composite material
Evidence from the S3‐3 satellite indicates that parallel electric fields occur above 5,000 km altitude where electron drift velocity is highest for a current carrying plasma. Electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) turbulence is also observed in this altitude range. Previous models of current‐supported potential drops have neglected the role of turbulence. Large amplitude Alfvén waves can carry a current which drives the electrostatic ion cyclotron (EIC) mode unstable above 5,000 km. Anomalous resistivity associated with coherent EIC waves can support parallel electric fields in excess of 1 mV/m and may set up particle populations necessary to support oblique electrostatic shocks.