The generation and effect of electrostatic fields during an auroral disturbance

Abstract

The equations of motion of electrons and ions in the presence of electric, magnetic, and neutral particle velocity fields are derived for conditions likely to exist in an auroral arc. The electric field resulting from charge separation is computed. Electron densities, charged-particle motion, and electric currents are also computed. It is shown how these computations can account for magnetic bays, electron drifts, and electric field fluctuation observed during auroral disturbances. Analytical expressions for electric field strengths and neutral plasma drift velocities are derived.