Abstract
Numerical calculations of the magnetospheric electrostatic field and ionospheric current field have been made assuming that the auroral zone ionosphere is represented by a ring of enhanced conductivity centered on the geomagnetic pole. These calculations are compared with similar calculations assuming that the ionosphere has a uniform conductivity. For certain ring current particle energies, the computation shows that the ring of enhanced ionospheric conductivity results in a near reversal and intensification of the electrostatic field. Intense ionospheric currents are driven along segments of the ionospheric ring. These calculations suggest that the asymmetric ring current may be the responsible agent for driving the auroral electrojet. The results of the calculations are used to formulate a model of the magnetic substorm associated with the auroral breakup.
Published Version
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