Generalized Rayleigh‐Taylor Instability: Ion Inertia, Acceleration Forces, and <i>E</i> Region Drivers
J. D. Huba
Abstract
Abstract A linear theory of the generalized Rayleigh‐Taylor instability (GRTI) is derived which includes ion inertia and acceleration forces, as well as E region drivers: the zonal neutral wind and plasma drift. This is in contrast to the F region drivers (aside from gravity): the meridional neutral wind and the meridional/vertical plasma drifts. Both a local theory and a flux‐tube integrated theory are presented with application to the onset of ionosphere irregularities associated with equatorial spread F . Inertia and acceleration forces do not affect the growth rate of the GRTI for nominal ionospheric conditions, but the E region zonal drifts can significantly increase or decrease the growth rate of the GRTI in the equatorial and mid‐latitude ionosphere depending on their direction.