Large-Scale Convection Patterns Observed by DMSP
Abstract
We present a comprehensive compilation of the average distribution of the electrostatic potential across the high-latitude ionosphere. The averages are compiled from potential along the satellite path calculated from thermal ion drift data from instrumentation on the Defense Meteorological Satellite Program (DMSP) flights 8 and 9 satellites. Data were collected from the DMSP F8 satellite during the period September 1987 to December 1990 and from the DMSP F9 satellite during the period March 1988 to December 1990. The potential distributions are separated by geomagnetic position, season, and orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), and then averages of the distributions are calculated. The average potential distributions clearly show the displacement of polar cap convection contours to the dusk or dawn flanks under the influence of the IMF sub By component. The cross-cap potential decreases as IMF sub Bz changes from southward to northward. The average distributions indicate that the development of more than two convection cells for northward IMF is either uncommon or nonexistent. For IMF sub By: > 0 and sub B2: > the absolute value of B sub Y, distorted pattern is observed in the average potential distribution, not a four-cell pattern as some previous studies suggest it should be.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Mar 01, 1994
- Accession Number
- ADA278673
Entities
People
- Frederick J. Rich
- Marc Hairston
Organizations
- Phillips Laboratory