Time-dependent modeling of field-aligned current-generated ion transients in the polar wind

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1989 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA094iA01p00359· OSTI ID:6437963

Gombosi, T I; Nagy, A F

The time evolution of field-aligned current-generated transient features in the high-latitude ionosphere is investigated. Ionospheric return currents generate significant downward heavy ion flows in the topside ionosphere with peak values well exceeding 10/sup 8/ cm/sup -2/s/sup -1/. When the return current ceases the polar ionosphere rapidly returns to its previous equilibrium state. During the recovery phase of the return current event an upward propagating heavy ion transient is formed, which is mainly characterized by a relatively short O/sup +/ upwelling event. On the other hand, the H/sup +/ escape flux remains relatively constant (within 10--20%) during field-aligned current events. It is also found that upward currents generate a transient heavy ion outflow, which exceeds the ambient H/sup +/ escape flux by a factor of 3 to 5, depending on the duration and strength of the field-aligned current event. copyright American Geophysical Union 1989

• Research Organization: Space Physics Research Laboratory, Department of Atmospheric, Oceanic and Space Sciences, University of Michigan, Ann Arbor
• OSTI ID: 6437963
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 94:A1; 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 PARTICLES
CURRENTS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
HEAVY IONS
HYDROGEN IONS
IONOSPHERE
IONS
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
OXYGEN IONS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
POLAR REGIONS
TIME DEPENDENCE
TRANSIENTS