Polar Convection Monitoring Determination of the IMF Bz and By Orientations From Digisonde Drift Velocities.
Abstract
Statistics for one year of Digisonde drift velocities recorded at Qaanaaq (Greenland) are used to derive a method to determine the sign of the interplanetary magnetic field Bz and By components. The Digisonde velocities show characteristics expected from the theoretical understanding of the two cell and four cell convection pattern which can exist at high latitudes when the IMF Bz < 0 and Bz > 0 respectively. The derived method is able to determine correctly the orientation of the IMF in 60 to 70% of the cases tested. Considering that the method uses only 15 minute drift velocities recorded at one station (Qaanaaq), the method shows enormous potential for accurately determining the orientation of the IMF components, and assisting in the mapping of the convection pattern when more data from Digisonde stations are introduced in the analysis.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 01, 1995
- Accession Number
- ADA305419
Entities
People
- B. W. Reinisch
- C. G. Dozois
- J. L. Scali
Organizations
- University of Massachusetts Lowell