A CHARGE SEPARATION MECHANISM FOR THE PRODUCTION OF POLAR AURORAS AND ELECTROJETS

Journal Article · Sun Jul 01 04:00:00 EDT 1962 · J. Geophys. Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ067i007p02649· OSTI ID:4787354

Kern, J W

A mechanism for charge separation in the geomagnetically trapped radiation is described that may account for some observed phenomena associated with polar auroras and electrojet current systems. Surfaces of constant number density may be separated from surfaces of constant integral invariant within the trapped radiation as a result of distortion of the geomagnetic field by solar streams. Drift separation of protons and electrons follows, and, for irregular distributions of plasma number density, electric fields arise. A direct consequence of such polarization of the geomagnetically trapped radiation is the polar-electrojet current systems. Polar auroras arise where energetic particles are discharged from regions of excess charge within the geomagnetically trapped radiation. A model for the discharge of such auroral particles is discussed. One feature of the proposed mechanism is that thinness of auroral sheets appears to follow as the natural consequence of charge separation. This is shown analytically for a simple two-dimensional model of a trapped plasma. (auth)

• Research Organization: Rand Corp., Santa Monica, Calif.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-16-029623
• OSTI ID: 4787354
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Research, Journal Name: J. Geophys. Research Vol. Vol: 67
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

AURORAE
CURRENTS
EARTH
ELECTRIC CHARGES
ELECTRIC FIELDS
ELECTRONS
ENERGY RANGE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PHYSICS
PLASMA
PROTONS
RADIATION BELTS
SEPARATION PROCESSES
TURBULENCE