A model is presented which simulates the behavior of superthermal ions previously reported in the dayside ionosphere of Venus. The model considers effects of E $\times$ B and gradient drifts, charge exchange and collisions with the ambient neutral atmosphere and the possible effects of a wave-particle (anomalous) scattering process. Results indicate that scattering processes are required if superthermal ions are the explanation for the observed "missing pressure" component in the dayside Venus ionosphere. The scattering scale length required to match the "missing pressure" distribution is similar to the scale length previously predicted for growth of a lower hybrid beam instability.
| Identifer | oai:union.ndltd.org:RICE/oai:scholarship.rice.edu:1911/16636 |
| Date | January 1993 |
| Creators | Kramer, Leonard |
| Contributors | Cloutier, Paul A. |
| Source Sets | Rice University |
| Language | English |
| Detected Language | English |
| Type | Thesis, Text |
| Format | 91 p., application/pdf |
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