Imperfect magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling and discrete auroras. Final report 1 Jan 79-31 Dec 80
Recent theoretical developments on the formation of discrete auroras are reviewed to assess the progress of our understanding of discrete auroral phenomenon. In spite of the great complexity involved, a unified physical picture begins to emerge in which the roles of various auroral acceleration processes can be identified in the context of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. Potential drops for the formation of inverted V precipitations are supported predominantly by a combination of double layer and pitch angle anisotropy processes. Additional electron energizations for the formation of thin auroral arcs are most likely due to filamentations of electrostatic ion cyclotron turbulence along the inverted V field lines. the discrete auroras can be understood as a manifestation of the imperfect coupling state of the magnetosphere-ionosphere interaction due to enhanced magnetospheric convection.
- Research Organization:
- Alaska Univ., College (USA). Geophysical Inst.
- OSTI ID:
- 5435245
- Report Number(s):
- AD-A-104509/5
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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