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The role of ring current O(+) in the formation of stable auroral red arcsObservations of thermal and energetic ion populations by the Dynamics Explorer 1 satellite in the magnetospheric energy source region as well as nearly simultaneous Langmuir probe measurements of enhanced electron temperatures by Dynamics Explorer 2 within the stable auroral red (SAR) arc at F region heights are used to examine the role of heavy ions in the formation of SAR arcs. It is found that sufficient energy is transferred to the electron gas at high altitudes via Coulomb collisions between the observed ring current ions and thermal electrons to support the enhanced F region electron temperatures measured on these field lines. The latitudinal variation in the electron heating rates calculated using observed ion populations is consistent with the observed variation in electron temperature across the SAR arc. In all cases, ring current O(+) is the major source of energy for the SAR arcs.
Document ID
19870060951
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Kozyra, J. U.
(Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, MI, United States)
Shelley, E. G.
(Michigan, University Ann Arbor, United States)
Comfort, R. H.
(Lockheed Missiles and Space Co., Inc. Palo Alto, CA, United States)
Brace, L. H.
(Alabama, University Huntsville, United States)
Cravens, T. E.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 13, 2013
Publication Date
July 1, 1987
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 92
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
87A48225
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS8-33982
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-28710
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-475
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-85-08753
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGR-23-005-015
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG5-472
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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