Field-aligned currents as a diagnostic tool: Result, a renovated model of the magnetosphere

Journal Article · Sun Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1984 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA089iA01p00217· OSTI ID:6673628

Atkinson, G

In the outer magnetosphere, currents across magnetic field lines are carried out by protons, because of their greater energy, whereas field-aligned currents are carried by electrons. Consequently, thre is plasma enhancement or depletion on flux tubes where the two types of current connect. Thus field-aligned currents observed at low altitudes can be used to diagnose plasma redistribution in the outer magnetosphere. A stationary current sheet accompanies convection through a stationary plasma boundary. The observations of the location and strength of field-aligned currents are used to create a model of the currents, flows, magnetic topology and plasma distribution in the outer magnetosphere. Differences from previous models include the following: (1) A steady state flow may exist at subauroral latitudes. (2) The upward current sheet (Region 1 dusk, Harang, region II dawn) separates dipolar flux tubes from inflated taillike flux tubes. Flux tubes convecting earthward from the tail coppases in a dipolar shape as they convect through this sheet. (3) There is a significant intrusion of solar wind protons from the dawn flank into the plasma sheet between the region 1 and 11 currents.

• Research Organization: Herzberg Institute of Astrophysics, National Research Council of Canada
• OSTI ID: 6673628
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 89:A1; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AURORAL OVAL
CURRENT DENSITY
CURRENTS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
HARANG DISCONTINUITY
ION DRIFT
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC FLUX
MAGNETOSPHERE
PLASMA DENSITY
PLASMA SHEET