The interplanetary magnetic field B[sub y] effects on large-scale field-aligned currents near local noon: Contributions from cusp part and noncusp part

Journal Article · Thu Apr 01 00:00:00 EST 1993 · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/92JA02934· OSTI ID:6772193

Yamauchi, M; Lundin, R; Woch, J ^[1]

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1. Swedish Institute of Space Physics, Kiruna (Sweden)

latitudinals develop a model to account for the effect of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B[sub y] component on the dayside field-aligned currents (FACs). As part of the model the FACs are divided into a [open quotes]cusp part[close quotes] and a [open quotes]noncusp part[close quotes]. The authors then propose that the cusp part FACs shift in the longitudinal direction while the noncusplike part FACs shift in both longitudinal and latitudinal directions in response to the y component of the IMF. If combined, it is observed that the noncusp part FAC is found poleward of the cusp part FAC system when the y component of the IMF is large. These two FAC systems flow in the same direction. They reinforce one another, creating a strong FAC, termed the DPY-FAC. The model also predicts that the polewardmost part of the DPY-FAC flows on closed field lines, even in regions conventionally occupied by the polar cap. Results of the model are successfully compared with particle and magnetic field data from Viking missions.

• OSTI ID: 6772193
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States), Vol. 98:A4; ISSN 0148-0227
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLASMA DRIFT
IONOSPHERE
INTERPLANETARY MAGNETIC FIELDS
POLAR CUSP
CURRENTS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
661320* - Auroral
Ionospheric
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