The Drift-Alfven Model for a Magnetized Plasma Applied to Saturn's Polar Vortices
Scientific Paper | |
---|---|
Title |
The Drift-Alfven Model for a Magnetized Plasma Applied to Saturn\'s Polar Vortices |
Read in full | Link to paper |
Author(s) | Tim Erney |
Keywords | {{{keywords}}} |
Published | 2011 |
Journal | Proceedings of the NPA |
Volume | 8 |
No. of pages | 2 |
Pages | 190-191 |
Read the full paper here
Abstract
The hexagon above Saturn's north pole, and its long lived state of equilibrium, may be the result of a pinched plasma column aligned with Saturn's magnetic axis and coupled to the conductive upper atmosphere. Cassini data analyzed by Gurnett et al. describes field aligned currents as a possible mechanism for coupling between magnetospheric plasma and the conductive layer of Saturn's upper atmosphere. The hexagon and its stability can be explained by the drift-Alfv?n model for a magnetized plasma due to the near perfect alignment of Saturn's magnetic and rotational axes. The alignment of the magnetic and rotational axes results in a smooth transfer of angular momentum from magnetized plasma in Saturn's ionosphere to the denser conducting fluid layer of the upper atmosphere's polar circulation.