Flow Channels and the Generation of Alfvénic Turbulence Along Storm‐Time Inner Magnetospheric Field‐Lines

Chaston, Christopher C.

doi:10.1029/2022GL101321

Flow Channels and the Generation of Alfvénic Turbulence Along Storm‐Time Inner Magnetospheric Field‐Lines

Journal Article · Thu Dec 15 23:00:00 EST 2022 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/2022GL101321· OSTI ID:1901460

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Space Sciences Laboratory University of California Berkeley CA USA

Abstract

A feature of Earth's storm‐time magnetosphere outside the plasmapause is the occurrence of broad‐spectrum Alfvénic fluctuations. In this letter observations from the Van Allen Probes are compared with 3‐D fluid‐kinetic simulations of an evolving convective flow channel to investigate the mechanisms generating the observed spectrum. It is shown how narrow channels of fast convection are unstable to the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability which on closed field‐lines initiates a cascade to small scales. Sustained driving of the flow combined with reflection from the topside ionosphere leads to the generation of an intensified spectrum of electromagnetic structures having similar spectral and morphological characteristics to those observed. This process couples enhanced magnetospheric convection to kinetic scale electromagnetic fluctuations that drive particle transport, scattering and energization through the outer radiation belt and ring current during geomagnetic storms.

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Sponsoring Organization:: USDOE

Grant/Contract Number:: SC0022066

OSTI ID:: 1901460

Alternate ID(s):: OSTI ID: 1903356
OSTI ID: 1905938

Journal Information:: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 23 Vol. 49; ISSN 0094-8276

Publisher:: American Geophysical Union (AGU)Copyright Statement

Country of Publication:: United States

Language:: English

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