Observations of differences between regions of current flowing into and out of the ionosphere
Journal Article
·
· Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)
A correlative study of field-aligned currents, upflowing ions and electrostatic shocks has been made using data from the S3-3 satellite. Upflowing ions with pitch angle distributions that are peaked at an angle to the magnetic field (''cronics'') are observed in all auroral current regions, but upflowing ions with distributions peaked along the field (''beams'') are seen only in upward current regions. Thus, indirect evidence for parallel electric fields is seen in regions of upward current, but not in regions of downward current. Electrostatic shocks are usually observed in the current associated with the polar cap convection boundary. In the evening, when this current is upward, shocks are largest. Indirect evidence for parallel electric fields is seen in regions of upward current, but not in regions of downward current. The altitude and magnetic local time dependence of upflowing ions and electrostatic shocks may be explained by the physical consequences of the differing particle populations carrying current into and out of the ionsphere. The data suggest that current-driven turbulence plays a crucial role in energizing particles in the auroral zone.
- Research Organization:
- Space Sciences Laboratory, University of California, Berkeley, California 94720
- OSTI ID:
- 5943258
- Journal Information:
- Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 6:7; ISSN GPRLA
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Potential structures and particle acceleration on auroral field lines
Trapping of ion conics by downward parallel electric fields
Trapping of ion conics by downward parallel electric fields. Technical report
Journal Article
·
Sat Dec 31 23:00:00 EST 1983
· Adv. Space Res.; (United States)
·
OSTI ID:5603970
Trapping of ion conics by downward parallel electric fields
Journal Article
·
Wed May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985
· J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
·
OSTI ID:5935925
Trapping of ion conics by downward parallel electric fields. Technical report
Technical Report
·
Wed May 01 00:00:00 EDT 1985
·
OSTI ID:5117123