This study explores the relaxation and sustainability of density
irregularities and plasma flows in the Earth’s ionosphere. To do this, we
use a modified model of drift-wave turbulence known as the Hasegawa-Wakatani
model. Similar to turbulent processes in laboratory plasmas, we explore a
powerful mechanism that can reduce the turbulent plasma transport. This
mechanism is associated with the creation of ‘zonal flows,’ cutting across
the gradients of particle density and magnetic fields. They work effectively
to minimize particles’ random movement and reduce the turbulence causing
this movement. The zonal flows create transport barriers in areas where the
density gradient is steepest and where drift waves grow most vigorously. The
transport barriers significantly delay the refill of low-density regions
with surrounding plasma. They also lead to changes in the electric potential
of the plasma and influence the movement of ions in the direction of the
magnetic field. Our research investigates how these zonal flows are
generated and how effectively they sustain density irregularities. We also
examine the spectral characteristics of turbulence in and around these
barriers.