Theory of imperfect magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling

Journal Article · Mon Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1980 · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/GL007i009p00633· OSTI ID:7095820

Kan, J R; Lee, L C

A theory of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling in the presence of field-aligned potential drops is formulated within the framework of magnetohydrodynamic equations. Our formulation allows the magnetosphere as well as the ionosphere to respond self-consistently to the parallel potential drop along auroral field lines. Equipotential contours are distorted into a V-shaped structure near the convection reversal boundary and S-shaped on the equatorward side, each gives rise to an inverted V precipitation band. The loading effect of the imperfect coupling results in a valley in the electric field profile which occurs equatorward of the convection reversal boundary.

• Research Organization: Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, Alaska 99701
• OSTI ID: 7095820
• Journal Information: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 7:9; ISSN GPRLA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
AURORAL ZONES
CHARGED-PARTICLE PRECIPITATION
COUPLING
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRIC FIELDS
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
IONOSPHERE
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOSPHERE
PLANETARY IONOSPHERES
VOLTAGE DROP