Use of a hybrid code to model the Earth`s magnetosphere

Journal Article · Wed Feb 01 04:00:00 EST 1995 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/94GL03082· OSTI ID:86728

Swift, D W ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK (United States)

This paper presents a demonstration of the use of a hybrid code to model the Earth`s magnetosphere on a global scale. A hybrid code calculates the interaction of particle ions and a massless electron fluid with the magnetic field. The demonstration is a simulation of the noon meridian plane of the magnetosphere. Innovative features of the code include a numerically generated curvilinear coordinate system, approximation of the cold ionospheric plasma as an MHD fluid that coexists with the kinetic plasma and subcycling of the magnetic field update to the particle push. These innovations allow the code to accommodate disparate time and distance scales. New results include particle acceleration in the cusp and nearly field aligned currents linking the cusp and polar ionosphere. It is pointed out that such a code is needed to help resolve many of the outstanding questions regarding substorm dynamics and perhaps form the basis of a numerical space weather prediction scheme. 6 refs., 3 figs.

• OSTI ID: 86728
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 3 Vol. 22; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
IONS
KINETIC EQUATIONS
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLASMA FLUID EQUATIONS
POLAR CUSP