A Study of Kelvin‐Helmholtz Instability at Unmagnetized Planets by Finite Larmor Radius MHD
Year: 2026
Type: article
Abstract: Kelvin–Helmholtz instability (KHI) at unmagnetized planetary ionopauses plays a key role in driving solar wind–ionosphere coupling and planetary ion escape. We investigate KHI using a two‐dimensional finite Larmor radius (FLR) MHD model. The FLR effect produces hemispheric asymmetry: the sign of , where is the magnetic field and is the vorticity, determines whether KHI is enhanced or suppressed. During nonlinear evolution, the FLR effect suppresses secondary instabilities and turbulent mixing. Long‐wavelength vortices detach as plasma blobs, whereas short‐wavelength vortices remain attached, sharply reducing ion escape. The preferred hemisphere also depends on ionospheric magnetic‐field strength. Under strong fields, KHI develops preferentially for ; as the field weakens, the growth rates cross and becomes dominant. These results highlight ion gyro‐motion as an important control on hemispheric asymmetry and plasma loss at unmagnetized planetary boundaries.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2026gl125040
Authors: Caiyi Fei, Maodong Yan, Jiuhou Lei
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
OpenAlex ID: W7223472388