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A three-dimensional MHD simulation of the interaction of the solar wind with the earth's magnetosphere - The generation of field-aligned currentsThe time-dependent interaction of the solar wind with the earth's magnetosphere is simulated using a three-dimensional MHD model. The bow shock, magnetopause, magnetotail, and plasma sheet of the magnetosphere and Birkeland field-aligned currents that are dependent on the polarity of the z component of the IMF are produced. Twin convection cells and a dawn to dusk electric potential of 30-100 kV are detected at the equator in the magnetosphere. Four types of field-aligned currents are observed: region 1, region 2, dayside magnetopause currents in the dayside cusp region, and the dayside cusp currents for southward IMF. Region 1 and 2 field-aligned currents generated for all IMF conditions are 0.6-1.0 x 10 to the 6th A and 0.15-0.61 x 10 to the 6th A, respectively. The relationship between region 1 currents and field-aligned vorticity, and region 2 currents and pressure gradients are studied. The simulated data are compared with a theoretical analysis of the field-aligned currents and good correlation is observed.
Document ID
19860057093
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Ogino, T.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
June 1, 1986
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 91
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
86A41831
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-78
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-82-18746
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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