Nonlinear Simulation of Ionospheric Irregularities at Mars

Motivated by the observations and linear theory analysis of ionospheric irregularities at Mars, we performed numerical simulations of the nonlinear evolution of the electromagnetic gradient drift instability in the Martian ionospheric dynamo region. The seeding source of ionospheric irregularities is perturbation zonal neutral wind. We found that the perturbation electric fields induced by the gradient drift instability can convect lower density plasma into higher density plasma at higher altitudes. Then, the associated perturbation magnetic field and electric field can cause the velocity shear of the plasma, which induced the Kelvin–Helmholtz instability at higher altitude. The Kelvin–Helmholtz instabilities furthermore lead to smaller-scale irregularities in plasma density, magnetic field, and electric field in the Martial ionosphere. Key points: (1) Nonlinear simulation of small-scale ionospheric irregularities at Mars was present. (2) Ionospheric irregularities at Mars can be seeded by the perturbation neutral winds. (3) Model results are comparable to linear theory analysis and satellite observations.