Abstract
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.
| Original language | English (US) |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 661-663 |
| Number of pages | 3 |
| Journal | Geophysical Research Letters |
| Volume | 6 |
| Issue number | 8 |
| DOIs | |
| State | Published - Aug 1979 |