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Field-aligned currents and ionospheric electric fieldsIt is shown that the observed distribution of the ionospheric electric field can be deduced from an equation combining Ohm's law with the current continuity equation by using the 'observed' distribution of field-aligned currents as the boundary condition for two models of the ionosphere. The first model has one conductive annular ring representing the quiet-time auroral precipitation belt; the second has two conductive annular rings that simulate the discrete and diffuse auroral regions. An analysis is performed to determine how well the electric-field distribution can be reproduced. The results indicate that the first model reproduces the Sq(p)-type distribution, the second model reproduces reasonably well a substorm-type potential and ionospheric current patterns together with the Harang discontinuity, and that the distribution of field-aligned currents is the same for both models.
Document ID
19770044486
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Yasuhara, F.
(Alaska Univ. Fairbanks, AK, United States)
Akasofu, S.-I.
(Alaska, University Fairbanks, Alaska, United States)
Date Acquired
August 8, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1977
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 82
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
77A27338
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF DES-74-23832
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-02-001-001
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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