Ground images at high latitudes of ULF wave processes in the outer magnetosphere

Abstract

Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave processes in space and laboratory plasmas make possible the resonant conversion of global compressional modes into localized Alfven oscillations. In this way MHD signals excited by local non-steady processes in space can convey information to the ground. This review focuses on long-period ultra-low-frequency (ULF) phenomena specific to high latitudes, including those in the cusp region, nightside oval, and polar cap, and highlights several unresolved problems related to the physics of ULF waves at these latitudes. Several new results are highlighted: (1) In the high-altitude cusp an MHD waveguide/resonator without conductive boundaries could occur, where hydromagnetic turbulence penetrating from the magnetosheath can accumulate and transform into Alfven waves escaping along the field lines. (2) Broadband long-period wave activity near the cusp exhibits temporal structure that is as yet unexplained, as well as frequent long intervals of non-conjugate levels of wave power. (3) Occurrence of field-aligned potential drops in the auroral acceleration region may cause severe damping of Pc5/Pi2 waves as compared with ionospheric Joule dissipation or dispersive leakage. (4) Specific long-period irregular variations in the nightside polar cap of still unknown origin exist, which might be related to the flapping of the magnetotail or turbulent trans-polar convection. Finally, we point out what remains unknown, to what extent our current knowledge is incomplete, what observations have been rare and what future research could focus on.