Magnetohydrodynamic boundary conditions for global modelsBoundary conditions in the ionosphere and the upstream solar wind are important in determining the dynamics of global magnetohydrodynamic models of the magnetosphere. It is generally recognized that the orientation of the magnetic field in the upstream solar wind strongly modulates the rate of energy input into the magnetosphere by magnetic reconnection. However, other aspects of the upstream boundary conditions may determine whether the reconnection occurs in a patchy manner, as in flux transfer events, or in a global manner, as in the Paschmann et al. (1979) events. Ionospheric boundary conditions should also affect the reconnection process. For example, ionospheric line-tying can cause x-line motion in the outer magnetosphere. If it is assumed that auroras occur on field lines mapping to x-lines, then auroral motions are different than the local convective motion of the plasma in which they occur. Global magnetohydrodynamic models which incorporate both magnetospheric reconnection and ionospheric convection could be used to investigate the effect of reconnection and convection upon dayside and nightside auroral motions during the course of a magnetic substorm.
Document ID
19890026443
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Forbes, T. G. (New Hampshire, University Durham, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1988
Subject Category
Geophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Huntsville Workshop on Magnetosphere/Ionosphere Plasma Models