EarthRef.org Reference Database (ERR)
Development and Maintenance by the EarthRef.org Database Team

Detailed Reference Information
Tsurutani & Smith 1986
Tsurutani, B.T. and Smith, E.J. (1986). Hydromagnetic waves and instabilities associated with cometary ion pickup: Ice observations. Geophysical Research Letters 13: doi: 10.1029/GL013i003p00263. issn: 0094-8276.

The hydromagnetic turbulence surrounding comet Giacobini-Zinner is characterized by two dominent components: large amplitude, linearly polarized waves with periods near 102 s and circularly polarized wave packets with periods near 3 s. The latter appear in association with variations in fied magnitude produced by the long period waves. A third, commonly observed features identified, consisting of a partial rotation of the magnetic field (a hooklike structure) which also appears to be triggered by the long period waves. The possibility that the long period waves are generated by the pickup of freshly ionized cometary neutrals has been investigated. A resonant instability identified by Wu and Davidson (1972) appears able to account for the long period waves in terms of the pickup of cometary ions of the water group. Application of the theory also indicates that the growth rate of proton cyclotron waves, as a consequence of hydrogen ion pickup, is somewhat lower, due to both higher neutral velocities and longer ionization times. Several significant features of the wave packets and hooks are presently unexplained and will require further study.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
2000 Florida Avenue N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20009-1277
USA
1-202-462-6900
1-202-328-0566
service@agu.org
Click to clear formClick to return to previous pageClick to submit