Structure of the Large-Scale Vortex Motions in the Ionosphere E Region

Abstract

It is shown that the dissipative-centrifugal instability (DCI) revealed earlier for large-scale two-dimension vortex motions of the neutral gas in a fast-rotating atmosphere is also possible for similar motions of a weakly ionized gas in the magnetic field when one takes into account electrodynamics forces (the induction deceleration and gyroscopic force caused by the Hall current) in the absence of dissipation. In the case of a conductive atmosphere, strictly anticyclone motion at a DCI of the neutral atmosphere could be impossible or (depending on the Hall conductivity value) it could even change to a cyclone motion. Experimental results that can be considered as a confirmation of the theoretical conclusions are presented.