Excitation of Pc5 pulsations of the geomagnetic field and riometric absorption

Abstract

We consider in detail the intense Pc5 pulsations of the magnetic field, riometric absorption, and electron fluxes occurred on the recovery phase of the strong magnetic storm on November 21, 2003. The global structure of these disturbances is studied using the world network of magnetometers and riometers supplemented by the data of particle detectors onboard the LANL geosynchronous satellites. The local spatial structure is investigated according to data of the regional network of Finnish vertical riometers and of stations of the IMAGE magnetic network. Though a certain similarity is observed in the frequency composition and time evolution of the variations of magnetic field and riometric absorption, the local spatial structure of these oscillations turns out to be different. It is suggested that these variations can be manifestations of oscillatory properties of two weakly connected systems: the magnetospheric MHD waveguide/resonator and the system cyclotron noise + electrons. The recorded Pc5 oscillations are, presumably, a result of excitation of the magnetospheric waveguide on the morning and evening flanks of the magnetosphere. At high velocities of the solar wind this waveguide can appear in a metastable state. Not only jumps in the solar wind density, but injection of electrons into the magnetosphere as well, can serve as a trigger for the waveguide excitation.