Plasmasphere Dynamics Induced by the Magnetosphere
Location
Yosemite National Park
Start Date
2-6-1974 11:30 AM
End Date
2-6-1974 11:45 AM
Description
Measurement of the plasmasphere by in situ probes and by whistles techniques has led to an understanding of the large scale dynamic motions in this region of enhanced cold plasma density. These motions represent the drift of ionization across magnetic field lines in the magnetosphere, which results from the combined effects of convection and corolation electric fields. These dynamic drifts which have been measured directly and indirectly in the plasmasphere should also be evident in the topside ionosphere. In this review, we will discuss different plasmasphere motions and present them in terms of the expected motions of ionization in the topside ionosphere. These drift motions include the normal steady state motions induced by a spatially invariant convection electric field in the magnetosphere as well as the changes in the drift direction expected during magnetic storms. The predicted ionospheric drift motions will be compared with drifts observed by the Chatanika radar system located at L=5.6, and this comparison will be used as an indicator of the accuracy of the steady convection model.
Plasmasphere Dynamics Induced by the Magnetosphere
Yosemite National Park
Measurement of the plasmasphere by in situ probes and by whistles techniques has led to an understanding of the large scale dynamic motions in this region of enhanced cold plasma density. These motions represent the drift of ionization across magnetic field lines in the magnetosphere, which results from the combined effects of convection and corolation electric fields. These dynamic drifts which have been measured directly and indirectly in the plasmasphere should also be evident in the topside ionosphere. In this review, we will discuss different plasmasphere motions and present them in terms of the expected motions of ionization in the topside ionosphere. These drift motions include the normal steady state motions induced by a spatially invariant convection electric field in the magnetosphere as well as the changes in the drift direction expected during magnetic storms. The predicted ionospheric drift motions will be compared with drifts observed by the Chatanika radar system located at L=5.6, and this comparison will be used as an indicator of the accuracy of the steady convection model.