Quasi-Static Modelling of the Ionosphere-Magnetosphere Coupling: Ionospheric Localized Effects
Abstract
The physical processes that take place in the auroral ionosphere (activation of auroral arcs at various spatial scales, plasma irregularities, non-homogeneities of the electric conductivity) are linked with the dynamics of the distant magnetosphere; the same geomagnetic field lines connect the polar ionosphere and the distant magnetosphere. Inside the magnetosphere the plasma parameters (temperature, density, bulk velocity) are non-uniform. We develop a stationary model that predicts the amplitude of the ionospheric perturbations corresponding to magnetospheric sheared flows. In this study we investigate the sheared plasma flows encountered close to the outer magnetospheric boundary layers. The main components of the model are:(i) a kinetic tangential discontinuity that plays the role of a magnetospheric generator; (ii) a current-voltage relationship describing the flux of generator particles precipitating into the ionosphere as well as the flux of the ionospheric outflow and (iii) a simple model of the topside ionosphere. The solution of the current continuity equation at topside ionosphere gives the latitudinal variation of the ionospheric electrostatic potential and of the field aligned potential drop. Our model provides a tool for evaluating the ionospheric effects of a distant dynamic magnetosphere. Ionospheric perturbations (especially conductivity irregularities) constitute a threat for satellite communications (including GPS) as well as for radio-wave navigation systems.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Sep 01, 2006
- Accession Number
- ADA478837
Entities
People
- J. De Keyser
- M. Echim
- Michael Roth
Organizations
- Romanian Academy of Sciences