Transpolar arc evolution and associated potential patterns

• We present two event studies encompassing detailed relationships between plasma convection, field-aligned current, auroral emission, and particle precipitation boundaries. We illustrate the influence of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field B, component on theta aurora development by showing two events during which the theta originates on both the dawn and dusk sides of the aurora] oval. Both theta then move across the entire polar region and become part of the opposite side of the aurora] oval. Electric and magnetic field and precipitating particle data are provided by DMSP, while the Polar UVI instrument provides measurements of auroral emissions. Utilizing satellite data as inputs, the Royal Institute of Technology model provides the high-latitude ionospheric electrostatic potential pattern calculated at different times during the evolution of the theta aurora, resulting from a variety of field-aligned current configurations associated with the changing global aurora.

Subject headings

NATURVETENSKAP  -- Fysik -- Fusion, plasma och rymdfysik (hsv//swe)

NATURAL SCIENCES  -- Physical Sciences -- Fusion, Plasma and Space Physics (hsv//eng)

Keyword

ionosphere

auroral ionosphere

electric fields and currents

magnetospheric physics

magnetosphere-ionosphere interactions

interplanetary magnetic-field

polar-cap arcs

convection patterns

theta-aurora

birkeland current

viking satellite

bz northward

plasma

imf

electrodynamics

Publication and Content Type

ref (subject category)

art (subject category)