Generation of field‐aligned current (FAC) and convection through the formation of pressure regimes: Correction for the concept of Dungey's convection

Abstract

AbstractIn this paper, we try to elucidate the generation mechanism of the field‐aligned current (FAC) and coexisting convection. From the comparison between the theoretical prediction and the state of numerical solution from the high‐resolution global simulation, we obtain the following conclusions about the distribution of dynamo, the magnetic field structure along the flow path that diverges Poynting flux, and energy conversion promoting the generation of electromagnetic energy. The dynamo for the region 1 FAC, which is in the high‐latitude‐side cusp‐mantle region, has a structure in which magnetic field is compressed along the convection path by the slow mode motion. The dynamo for the region 2 FAC is in the ring current region at the inner edge of the plasma sheet, and has a structure in which magnetic field is curved outward along the convection path. Under these structures, electromagnetic energy is generated from the work done by pressure gradient force, in both dynamos for the region 1 and region 2 FACs. In these generation processes of the FACs, the excitation of convection and the formation of pressure regimes occur as interdependent processes. This structure leads to a modification in the way of understanding the Dungey's convection. Generation of the FAC through the formation of pressure regimes is essential even for the case of substorm onset.