This research program will investigate the generation mechanisms of small scale (1 to 10 km) irregularities in the high latitude ionosphere. The focus of the research will be to develop an analytical and numerical three-dimensional model of one of the main structuring mechanisms in the high latitude ionosphere, referred to as the E cross B instability. The methods to be employed will include both analytical and numerical three-dimensional models. The models proposed in the past have been unable to explain many characteristic features of the small scale structure. The previous two-dimensional simulations of the instability indicate development of large scale structures that disrupt the gradients driving the instability. However, three dimensional treatments indicate long scale length stabilization for these modes due to parallel dynamics. The analytical and numerical results for the small scale irregularity generation and their impact on the long scale processes will be compared with observations, and new experiments will be suggested to test the theoretical results.
