Theoretical Study of the Electron Temperature in the High-Latitude Ionosphere for Solar Maximum and Winter Conditions

Authors

Robert W. Schunk, Utah State UniversityFollow
Jan Josef Sojka, Utah State UniversityFollow
M. D. Bowline, Utah State University

Document Type

Article

Journal/Book Title/Conference

Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics

Volume

91

Issue

A11

Publisher

American Geophysical Union

Publication Date

1986

First Page

12,041

Last Page

12,054

Abstract

The electron temperature (T_e) variation in the high-latitude ionosphere at altitudes between 120 and 800 km has been modeled for solar maximum, winter solstice, and strong magnetic activity conditions. The calculated electron temperatures are consistent with the plasma densities and ion temperatures computed from a time-dependent ionospheric model. Heating rates for both solar EUV and auroral precipitation were included. In general, the predicted UT variation of the electron temperature that results from the displacement between the magnetic and geographic poles is only a few hundred degrees. However, in sunlit trough regions, T_e hot spots develop, and these hot spots show a marked UT variation, by as much as 2500 K. The dominant parameter controlling the T_e variation above 200 km is the magnetospheric heat flux into the ionosphere, which is essentially unknown. For realistic values of the magnetospheric heat flux, the maximum electron temperature ranges from 5000 to 10,000 K at 800 km. A magnetospheric heat flux is particularly effective in enhancing trough electron temperatures. In general, the electron heat flux at high altitudes is uniquely related to the electron temperature and gradient, except on auroral field lines where thermoelectric heat flow is important.

Comments

Originally published by the American Geophysical Union. Abstract available online through the Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics.