Formation of the geomagnetic storm main-phase ring current

Journal Article · Wed Nov 01 04:00:00 EST 1961 · Journal of Geophysical Research

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JZ066i011p03631· OSTI ID:4828068

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

It is suggested that hydromagnetic waves generated by the impact of solar plasma on the geomagnentic field may form shock waves in the magnetosphere, thus providing a mechanism for establishing the diamagnetic main-phase 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 then order of 500 km/sec). The transfer of hydromagnetic-wave energy to the protons stresses the geomagnetic field and produces then geomagnetic-storm main phase; i.e., the kilovolt-energy 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 cyele are discussed.

• Research Organization: Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Palo Alto, Calif.
• Sponsoring Organization: USDOE
• NSA Number: NSA-16-003601
• OSTI ID: 4828068
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research, Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research Journal Issue: 11 Vol. 66; ISSN 0148-0227
• Publisher: American Geophysical Union
• Country of Publication: Country unknown/Code not available
• Language: English

Related Subjects

58 GEOSCIENCES
ATMOSPHERE
CIRCUITS
COLLISIONS
CURRENTS
EARTH
ENERGY
ENERGY RANGE
GEOPHYSICS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
OSCILLATIONS
PLASMA
PROTONS
RADIATION BELTS
SHOCK WAVES
SPACE
SUN
TURBULENCE
VELOCITY