An interplanetary magnetic field dependent model of the ionospheric convection electric field

An IMF-dependent model of the magnetospheric electric field at ionospheric altitudes has been developed based on published observations, qualitative models, and a limited understanding of the electric field source. The empirical inputs are discussed, and the model is presented in an ionospheric convection situation where corotation is an important ingredient. This leads to a description of sunward ionospheric plasma transport in the polar cap for northward IMF orientations. The validity of the model is discussed, and areas in which more empirical results are required are specified.