Rocket and satellite observations of electric fields and ion convection in the dayside auroral ionosphere

The electric field and convection pattern of the dayside auroral ionosphere are analyzed using electric-field data from two high-altitude rocket flights in the polar cusp and satelltie observations of ion drifts and energetic particles. The geophysical conditions for December 1 and 13, 1981 are described. The flow reversals for the two events are studied, and a dayside convection pattern is characterized. It is observed that this convection pattern is in qualitative agreement with the predictions of a geometrical model of Crooker (1979), when the IMF is oriented towards dawn.