Generation of Alfvenic Double Layers and Formation of Discrete Auroras by Nonlinear Electromagnetic Coupling between Magnetosphere and Ionosphere
Location
Yosemite National Park
Start Date
2-11-2014 6:40 PM
End Date
2-11-2014 6:55 PM
Description
It has been recently proposed that nonlinear electromagnetic coupling between magnetosphere and ionosphere can create non-propagating electromagnetic-plasma structures, such as transverse Alfvenic double layers and charge holes in auroral acceleration regions, which are responsible for auroral particle acceleration and the formation of both Alfvenic and quasi-static inverted-V discrete auroras. These non-propagating dynamical structures are often characterized by localized strong electrostatic electric fields, density cavities and enhanced magnetic or velocity stresses. The energy stored in such stresses can support the generation of strong non-polarized electric fields as well as charged particle acceleration and energization. Alfvenic double layers and charge holes are generated by nonlinear electromagnetic interaction between incident and reflected Alfven wave packets in the magnetosphere and ionosphere coupling region. Similar electromagnetic-plasma structures should also be generated in other cosmic plasma environments, and would constitute effective high energy accelerators of charged particles in cosmic plasmas.
Generation of Alfvenic Double Layers and Formation of Discrete Auroras by Nonlinear Electromagnetic Coupling between Magnetosphere and Ionosphere
Yosemite National Park
It has been recently proposed that nonlinear electromagnetic coupling between magnetosphere and ionosphere can create non-propagating electromagnetic-plasma structures, such as transverse Alfvenic double layers and charge holes in auroral acceleration regions, which are responsible for auroral particle acceleration and the formation of both Alfvenic and quasi-static inverted-V discrete auroras. These non-propagating dynamical structures are often characterized by localized strong electrostatic electric fields, density cavities and enhanced magnetic or velocity stresses. The energy stored in such stresses can support the generation of strong non-polarized electric fields as well as charged particle acceleration and energization. Alfvenic double layers and charge holes are generated by nonlinear electromagnetic interaction between incident and reflected Alfven wave packets in the magnetosphere and ionosphere coupling region. Similar electromagnetic-plasma structures should also be generated in other cosmic plasma environments, and would constitute effective high energy accelerators of charged particles in cosmic plasmas.