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Ionospheric traveling convection vortices observed near the polar cleft - A triggered response to sudden changes in the solar windAnalysis of 20-second resolution magnetometer data from an array of temporary stations operated around Sondre Stromfjord, Greenland, during the summer of 1986 shows the signatures of localized ionospheric traveling convection vortices. An example of an isolated event of this kind observed near 08 local time is presented in detail. This event consists of a twin vortex pattern of convection consistent with the presence of two field-aligned current filaments separated by about 600 km in the east-west direction. This system of currents is observed to move westward (tailward) past the array of stations at about 4 km/sec. The event is associated with relative quiet time ionospheric convection and occurs during an interval of northward IMF. It is, however, associated with a large fluctuation in both the Z and Y components of the IMF and with a large sudden decrease in the solar wind number density. The propagation of the system is inconsistent with existing models of FTE current systems, but nevertheless appears to be related to a readjustment of the magnetopause boundary to a sudden change in the solar wind dynamic pressure and/or to a change in reconnection brought about by a sudden reorientation of the IMF.
Document ID
19880043694
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Friis-Christensen, E.
(Danish Meteorological Inst. Copenhagen, Denmark)
Vennerstrom, S.
(Danske Meteorologiske Institut Copenhagen, Denmark)
Mchenry, M. A.
(Danish Meteorological Inst. Copenhagen, Denmark)
Clauer, C. R.
(Stanford University CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
March 1, 1988
Publication Information
Publication: Geophysical Research Letters
Volume: 15
ISSN: 0094-8276
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
88A30921
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-85-03105
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-584
CONTRACT_GRANT: F19628-85-K-0001
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-235
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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