Scintillation effects in the magnetized plasma

Abstract

Statistical characteristics of scattered electromagnetic waves in the turbulent magnetized plasma caused by electron density fluctuations are calculated using complex geometrical optics approximation taking into account both diffraction effects and polarization coefficients. Scintillation level normalized on the variance of the phase fluctuations is analyzed analytically and numerically for small-scale plasma irregularities using the experimental data. New properties of the electromagnetic wave scintillations have been revealed. It is shown that splashes arise in the ionosphere leading to the turbulence and generation of new oscillations (waves and/or Pc pulsations) propagating in space and the terrestrial atmosphere. Turbulence extending in the lower atmospheric layers can influence on the meteorological parameters leading to climate change.