Abstract
We present Cluster measurements of large amplitude electric fields corre-
lated with intense downward field-aligned currents, observed during a nightside crossing of the auroral zone. The data are reproduced by a simple model of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling which, under different conditions, can also produce a divergent electric field signature in the downward current region, or correlation between the electric and perturbed magnetic fields. We conclude that strong electric field associated with intense downward field-aligned current, such as this observation, is a signature of ionospheric plasma depletion caused by the downward current. It is also shown that the electric field in the downward current region correlates with downward current density if a background field is present, e.g. due to magnetospheric convection.
lated with intense downward field-aligned currents, observed during a nightside crossing of the auroral zone. The data are reproduced by a simple model of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling which, under different conditions, can also produce a divergent electric field signature in the downward current region, or correlation between the electric and perturbed magnetic fields. We conclude that strong electric field associated with intense downward field-aligned current, such as this observation, is a signature of ionospheric plasma depletion caused by the downward current. It is also shown that the electric field in the downward current region correlates with downward current density if a background field is present, e.g. due to magnetospheric convection.
| Original language | English |
|---|---|
| Pages (from-to) | 1876-1887 |
| Journal | Journal of Geophysical Research: Space Physics |
| Volume | 120 |
| Issue number | 3 |
| Early online date | 19 Mar 2015 |
| DOIs | |
| Publication status | Published - Mar 2015 |