A MECHANISM TO ESTABLISH THE MAGNETIC STORM RING CURRENT

Journal Article · Mon Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1962 · J. Phys. Soc. Japan

OSTI ID:4756485

Dessler, A J; Hanson, W B; Parker, E N

It is shown how hydromagnetic waves generated by the impact of solar plasma on the geomagnetic field may form shock waves in the magnetosphere and provide a means of creating the geomagnetic storm, main-phase, diamagnetic ring current. These shock waves should develop on the night side of the earth and heat the ambient protons (which constitute the normal protonosphere) to approximately the hydromagnetic-wave velocity (of the order of 500 km/sec). The transfer of hydromagnetic wave energy to the protons stresses the geomagnetic field and produces the geomagnetic-storm main phase; i.e., the kilovoltenergy protons form a diamagnetic current-. The bombardment of the upper atmosphere by energetic hydrogen atoms from the decaying ring current and the possible change in the decay time-constant of the ring current through the sunspot cycle are discussed. (auth)

• Research Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Palo Alto, Calif.
• NSA Number: NSA-17-012871
• OSTI ID: 4756485
• Journal Information: J. Phys. Soc. Japan, Journal Name: J. Phys. Soc. Japan Vol. Vol: 17: Suppl. A-I
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

ATMOSPHERE
ATOMS
CURRENTS
DECAY
DIAMAGNETISM
EARTH
ENERGY
GEOPHYSICS
HYDROGEN
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETISM
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
PHYSICS
PLASMA
PROTONS
RADIATION BELTS
SHOCK WAVES
STRESSES
SUN
TURBULENCE
VELOCITY