A high‐resolution model of field‐aligned currents through empirical orthogonal functions analysis (MFACE)

Abstract

Ten years of CHAMP magnetic field measurements are integrated into MFACE, a model of field‐aligned currents (FACs) using empirical orthogonal functions (EOFs). EOF1 gives the basic Region‐1/Region‐2 pattern varying mainly with the interplanetary magnetic fieldBz component. EOF2 captures separately the cusp current signature and By‐related variability. Compared to existing models, MFACE yields significantly better spatial resolution, reproduces typically observed FAC thickness and intensity, improves on the magnetic local time (MLT) distribution, and gives the seasonal dependence of FAC latitudes and the NBZ current signature. MFACE further reveals systematic dependences on By, including 1) Region‐1/Region‐2 topology modifications around noon; 2) imbalance between upward and downward maximum current density; 3)MLT location of the Harang discontinuity. Furthermore, our procedure allows quantifying response times of FACs to solar wind driving at the bow shock nose: we obtain 20 minutes and 35–40 minutes lags for the FAC density and latitude, respectively.