Estimation of ionospheric electric fields and currents from a regional magnetometer array
We investigate the technique of calculating ionospheric electric fields and currents and field-aligned currents using an equivalent current function obtained from a regional array of ground-based magnetometers at high latitudes (Scandinavian Magnetometer Array). Like similar calculations previously done on a global scale, the derived electric fields and currents are found to depend on the model of ionospheric conductivity assumed. Unlike the global scale calculations, the regional calculations are also dependent on the assumed boundary conditions. Additional information on the electric fields, currents, and/or conductivities is required, besides the ground magnetic variations, to obtain unique estimations of the ionospheric electrodynamic features. In the present case, ionospheric drift measurements from one of the Scandinavian Twin Auroral Radar Experiment radars help constrain the calculations. Analysis of an equivalent current function at 1835 UT on October 7, 1976, representing Harang discontinuity conditions, suggests that upward field-aligned current probably existed near the boundary between eastward and westward electrojets.
- Research Organization:
- National Center for Atmospheric Research, Boulder, Colorado
- OSTI ID:
- 5476213
- Journal Information:
- J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Vol. 90:A4
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
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Related Subjects
GENERAL PHYSICS
IONOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTRIC FIELDS
BOUNDARY CONDITIONS
CALCULATION METHODS
ELECTRIC CONDUCTIVITY
EXPERIMENTAL DATA
MAGNETOMETERS
CURRENTS
DATA
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRICAL PROPERTIES
INFORMATION
MEASURING INSTRUMENTS
NUMERICAL DATA
PHYSICAL PROPERTIES
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
640201* - Atmospheric Physics- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena