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Self-Consistent Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling: Theoretical StudiesA self-consistent ring current (RC) model has been developed that couples electron and ion magnetospheric dynamics with the calculation of the electric field. Two new features were taken into account in order to close the self-consistent magnetosphere- ionosphere coupling loop. First, in addition to the RC ions, we solve an electron kinetic equation in our model. Second, using the relation of Galand and Richmond [2001], we calculate the height integrated ionospheric conductances as a function of the precipitated high energy magnetospheric electrons and ions that are produced by our code. To validate the results of our model we simulate the magnetic storm of May 2, 1986, a storm that has has been comprehensively studied, and compare our results with different theoretical approaches. The self-consistent inclusion of the hot electrons and, their effect on the conductance results in deeper penetration of the magnetospheric electric field. In addition, a slight westward rotation of the potential pattern (compared to previous self-consistent results) is evident in the inner magnetosphere. This changes the hot plasma distribution, especially by allowing increased access of plasma sheet ions and electrons to low L shells.
Document ID
20020067760
Acquisition Source
Marshall Space Flight Center
Document Type
Preprint (Draft being sent to journal)
Authors
Khazanov, G. V.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Newman, T. S.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Huntsville, AL United States)
Liemohn, M. W.
(Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI United States)
Fok, M.-C.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD United States)
Spiro, R. W.
(Rice Univ. Houston, TX United States)
Six, N. Frank
Date Acquired
August 20, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 2002
Subject Category
Geophysics
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Work of the US Gov. Public Use Permitted.

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