Abstract
The fact that the auroral electrojet (AE) index is typically strongly enhanced during times of southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is a major reason why a southward IMF is popularly thought to be a necessary, or at least favorable, condition for the transfer of solar wind power (and mass) across the magnetopause. Attempts to verify this by comparing variations in the IMF and the solar wind power input with subsequent concentration of energetic (keV) magnetospheric O + ions of terrestrial origin have failed, however (Lennartsson, 1995), casting doubt on this interpretation of the AE. As a follow-up, it is argued here, by employing simple modeling of the electrojets, that the principal difference between northward and southward IMF in the presently-produced AE can instead be accounted for by the different spatial relationships between the currents and the AE ground stations.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Disclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.