Multiscale coherent structures and broadband waves due to parallel inhomogeneous flows
Linear theory analysis and particle-in-cell simulations show that a spatial transverse gradient in the ion drift parallel to the magnetic field, dV(di)/dx</=Omega(i), where Omega(i) is the ion cyclotron frequency, can generate a broadband multimode spectrum extending from omega<<Omega(i) to omega>>Omega(i). Nonlinearly, these waves lead to multiscale spatially coherent structures, substantial cross-field transport, ion energization, and phase-space diffusion. Large spikes are formed in the parallel electric field time series. These signatures are similar to the Fast Auroral Snapshot satellite observations in the upward current region.
Gavrishchaka
VV
Science Applications International Corporation, McLean, Virginia.
Ganguli
GI
Scales
WA
Slinker
SP
Chaston
CC
McFadden
JP
Ergun
RE
Carlson
CW