Quantitative Simulation of a Magnetospheric Substorm. 1. Model Logic and Overview,
Abstract
This and the following two papers report results of the first comprehensive computer simulation of the behavior of the earth's inner magnetosphere during a substorm-type event. We have developed a self-consistent quantitative model to compute electric fields, currents and the resulting plasma flow in the inner-magnetosphere/ionosphere system (L < or = 10); parallel electric fields and ionospheric neutral winds are not included. The model was tested for a substorm-type event that occurred on September 19, 1976. Satellite data (primarily from the Air Force S3-2 satellite) were used extensively both for boundary conditions and for comparisons with model predictions. Other data were also used as input for our time-dependent magnetic field and conductivity models. The S3-2 data for the event show some novel features, independent of the simulation. Dawn-dusk electric fields show a general correlation with the east-west magnetic field perturbations. Unexpectedly, two of the passes display substantial regions of sunward plasma flow poleward of the main part of the region-1 Birkeland currents. The cross-polar-cap potential drops computed from the data represent the first effort at satellite monitoring of this important parameter during various phases of a substorm, and show an important enhancement during the substorm. Numerical results from these first-try simulations were consistent with most of the established features of convection in the inner magnetosphere.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 23, 1980
- Accession Number
- ADA087699
Entities
People
- C. -k. Chen
- M. Harel
- P. H. Reiff
- R. W. Spiro
- R. Wolf
Organizations
- Rice University