Understanding the Effects of Energy from the Solar Wind to the Magnetosphere Ionosphere-Thermosphere System
Abstract
Recent studies have shown that sudden enhancement of solar wind dynamic pressure (Psw) is a significant driver of energy transfer to the magnetosphere-ionosphere (MI) system, generating strong responses such as increase in the cross polar cap potential (CPCP), reduction of the polar cap area, expansion of the auroral oval, etc. This study investigates where, when, and how solar wind energy is deposited into the MI system during sudden solar wind dynamic pressure enhancement, like shocks. We analyze three unique events that occurred during strongly southward, near-zero Bz, and northward IMF by simulating the MI responses with the OpenGGCM coupled magnetosphere-ionosphere-thermosphere model. We examine the behavior of dayside and nightside reconnection, and quantify their respective contribution to CPCP, a proxy of ionospheric flow convection.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Aug 29, 2013
- Accession Number
- ADA594505
Entities
People
- Christos G. Christodoulou
Organizations
- University of New Mexico