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On the physical explanation of the Perkins instability
Communications and Space Sciences Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Communications and Space Sciences Laboratory, Pennsylvania State University, University Park, Pennsylvania, USA
Perkins' instability theory (1973) provides a reasonable theoretical explanation for the midlatitude ionospheric spread-F phenomenon. Although his derivation process and model are correct, the physical explanation provided can be improved. In this paper a plasma motion-balanced view of the Perkins instability is provided as an improvement to the Perkins force-balanced explanation. We derive the growth rate equation with neutral wind present and show that the new approach yields the same growth rate equation given by Perkins (1973) when the neutral wind is zero. Additionally, a new mathematical approach yields the same result and identifies the source term of the instability.
Received 28 February 2006; accepted 21 September 2006; published 15 December 2006.
Citation: (2006), On the physical explanation of the Perkins instability, J. Geophys. Res., 111, A12309, doi:10.1029/2006JA011696.
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