Ionospheric convection signatures observed by DE 2 during northward interplanetary magnetic field

Journal Article · Thu May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1986 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA091iA05p05817· OSTI ID:5418733

Heelis, R A; Reiff, P H; Winningham, J D; Hanson, W B

Observations of the ionospheric convection signature at high latitudes are examined during periods of prolonged northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). The data from Dynamics Explorer 2 show that a four-cell convection pattern can frequently be observed in a region that is displaced to the sunward side of the dawn-dusk meridian regardless of season. In the eclipsed ionosphere, extremely structured or turbulent flow exists with no identifiable connection to a more coherent pattern that may simultaneously exist in the dayside region. The two highest-latitude convection cells that form part of the coherent dayside pattern show a dependence on the y-italic component of the IMF. This dependence is such that a clockwise circulating cell displaced toward dawn dominates the high-latitude region when B-italic/sub y-italic/ is positive. Anti- clockwise circulation displaced toward dusk dominates the highest latitudes when B-italic/sub y-italic/ is negative. Examination of the simultaneously observed energetic particle environment suggests that both open and closed field lines may be associated with the high-latitude convection cells. On occasions these entire cells can exist on open field lines. The existence of closed field lines in regions of sunward flow is also apparent in the data.

• Research Organization: Center for Space Sciences, Physics Program, University of Texas at Dallas, Richardson, TX
• OSTI ID: 5418733
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 91:A5; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CHARGED-PARTICLE TRANSPORT
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC POTENTIAL
EXPLORER SATELLITES
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
IONOSPHERE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
PLASMA DRIFT
RADIATION TRANSPORT
SATELLITES