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Relations between the Birkeland currents, the auroral electrojet indices and high latitude Joule heatingField-aligned currents were postulated by Birkeland (1908) to explain the magnetic perturbations in the auroral zone. Theoretical models have been developed to examine the effect of these currents on the ionosphere. These models, in general, involve very extensive computer programs, and it is difficult to see how their very complicated boundary conditions and assumptions affect the relationships between the Birkeland currents and magnetic activity. In the present investigation, a simplified analysis is used to study the average behavior of the large-scale ionospheric current paths and to examine the interrelationships of various parameters. The relationship of the parameters of the current deposition regions to the magnetic indices is investigated along with the polar cap potential. Attention is given to the experimental values of coefficients, and relations between the Birkeland current densities, current intensities, currents, and the AL, AU, AE indices are discussed.
Document ID
19820063837
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Nisbet, J. S.
(Pennsylvania State University University Park, PA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 10, 2013
Publication Date
September 1, 1982
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Atmospheric and Terrestrial Physics
Volume: 44
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
82A47372
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-5212
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-39-009-003
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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