A model for multiple throat structures in the polar cap flow entry region

Abstract

A two‐dimensional ionospheric convection model has been developed to produce convection patterns for southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and a positive or negative IMF y component. The model consists of a movable, shear convection reversal boundary with a gap in it where flux enters the polar cap. The sign of IMF By determines the dayside gap geometry. We use this simple model to simulate measured ionospheric flows from the DE 2 satellite. Roughly 35% of DE 2 passes that cross the dayside between 0800 and 1400 hours MLT cannot be modeled with a single narrow flow entry region. By comparing model calculations and the measured ion flows, we show that the dayside flow entry region to the polar cap typically spans several hours in local time. The electric field can concentrate along portions of the polar cap entrance and weaken between the concentrated regions, thus forming multiple “throats.”