Theoretical model of polar cap auroral arcs

Journal Article · Wed May 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA090iA05p04171· OSTI ID:6102421

Kan, J R; Burke, W J

A theory of the polar cap auroral arcs is proposed under the assumption that the magnetic field reconnection occurs in the cusp region on tail field lines during northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. Requirements of a convection model during northward IMF are enumerated based on observations and fundamental theoretical considerations. The theta aurora can be expected to occur on the closed field lines convecting sunward in the central polar cap, while the less intense regular polar cap arcs can occur either on closed or open field lines. The dynamo region for the polar cap arcs is required to be on closed field lines convecting tailward in the plasma sheet which is magnetically connected to the sunward convection in the central polar cap. 43 references.

• Research Organization: Alaska Univ., Fairbanks; USAF, Bedford, MA
• OSTI ID: 6102421
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 90; 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
AURORAE
CONVECTION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
ENERGY TRANSFER
HEAT TRANSFER
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MASS TRANSFER
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLASMA
POLAR-CAP AURORAE