The nighttime poleward wind responses to SAPS simulated by TIEGCM: a universal time effect

Abstract

<p>The present work investigates the nighttime meridional wind (30º-50º magnetic latitude and 19-22 magnetic local time) in response to subauroral polarization streams (SAPS) that commence at different universal time (UT) by using Thermosphere Ionosphere Electrodynamics General Circulation Model (TIEGCM) under geomagnetically disturbed conditions that are closely related to the southward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) carried by the solar wind. The SAPS effects on the meridional winds show a remarkable UT variation, with larger magnitudes at 00 and 12 UT than at 06 and 18 UT. The strongest poleward wind emerges when SAPS commence at 06 UT, and the weakest poleward wind develops when SAPS occur at 00 UT. A diagnostic analysis of model results shows that the pressure gradient is more prominent for the developing of the poleward wind at 00 and 12 UT. Meanwhile, the effect of the ion drag is important in the modulation of the poleward wind velocity at 06 and 18 UT. This is caused by the misalignment of the geomagnetic and geographic coordinate systems, resulting to a large component of ion drag in geographically northward (southward) direction due to the SAPS channel orientation at 06 and 18 UT (00 and 12 UT). The Coriolis force effect induced by westward winds maximizes (minimizes) when SAPS commence at 12 UT (00 UT). The centrifugal force due to the accelerated westward winds shows similar UT variations as the Coriolis force, but with an opposite effect.</p>