Pc5 Pulsations Research Articles

Propagation of a sudden impulse through the magnetosphere initiating magnetospheric Pc5 pulsations

[1] We compare multipoint observations of an interplanetary shock’s interaction with the Earth’s magnetosphere on 29 July 2002 with results from global MHD simulations. The sudden impulse associated with the shock’s arrival initiates global ultralow‐frequency waves with periods from 2 to 5 min. We interpret four cycles of Bz oscillations with T= ∼3 min at Geotail in the postdawn magnetosphere as radial magnetopause oscillations. GOES 8, in the same late morning sector, observed compressional and toroidal waves with the same frequency at the same time. GOES 10, in the early morning sector, observed toroidal waves with a slightly lower period. We suggest that these observations confirm the mode coupling theory. The interplanetary shock initiates compressional magnetospheric waves which, according to our estimates, oscillate between the ionosphere and magnetopause and gradually convert their energy into that of standing Alfven waves. At the same time, Polar in the outer predawn magnetosphere observed strong velocity oscillations and weak magnetic field oscillations with a ∼4 min period. Global MHD models successfully predict these oscillations and connect them to the Kelvin‐Helmholtz instability which results in large flow vortices with sizes of about ten Earth radii. However, the global models do not predict the multiple compressional oscillations with the observed periods and therefore cannot readily explain the GOES observations.

Generation of magnetic field Pc5 pulsations and particle fluxes during the recovery phase of a magnetic storm on October 31, 2003

The spatial structure of intensive Pc5 pulsations of the geomagnetic field and riometer absorption during the recovery phase of a strong magnetic storm that occurred on October 31, 2003, have been considered in detail. The global structure of disturbances has been analyzed based on a global network of magnetometers and riometers supplemented by the data of magnotometers and particle detectors on geostationary satellites GOES and LANL. The local spatial structure was studied by the data of a regional network of Finland vertical riometers and the stations at the IMAGE magnetic network. Quasiperiodic variations in the magnetic field and riometer absorption are generally similar and have a close frequency composition; nevertheless, their local spatial structures are different, as a result of which the concept that riometer absorption pulsations represent a purely modulation process is doubtful. It is assumed that the observed variations are oscillations of two related systems: the magnetospheric MHD waveguide/resonator and systems including cyclotron noise and electrons. Geomagnetic Pc5 oscillations during the recovery phase of a strong magnetic storm supposedly result from the generation of the magnetospheric waveguide on magnetospheric flanks. An analysis of azimuthal propagation phase velocities indicates that these oscillations depend on intramagnetospheric parameters rather than on the solar wind velocity. The magnetospheric waveguide is in a metastable state when solar wind velocities are high, and the quasiperiodic fluctuations of the solar wind pressure stimulate the excitation of the waveguide.

Transient Pc3 wave activity generated by a hot flow anomaly: Cluster, Rosetta, and ground-based observations

[1] Pc3 pulsations are observed in the magnetosphere with wave periods of 10–45 s. Two distinct populations have been observed; one exhibits a frequency dependence on the solar wind magnetic field strength, whereas the other does not. The first population is explained in terms of a model where the bow shock reflects ions which generate upstream foreshock ULF waves. These waves are convected through the shock to the dayside magnetopause and thus to the magnetosphere. The source of the second population is not well understood. In this paper we examine the generation of a transient patch of Pc3 wave activity due to a hot flow anomaly (HFA) using a unique spacecraft conjunction that occurred during the first Earth flyby of the Rosetta spacecraft. Cluster, upstream of the bow shock and close to the Sun-Earth line observed an HFA. At this time Rosetta was nearing closest approach and together with ground magnetometer stations, observed a transient interval of Pc3 wave activity. Analysis also shows that the Pc3 waves occurred in the absence of a ULF wavefield just upstream of the bow shock. This result shows that HFAs can be a source of Pc3 wave activity, and may explain in part the origin of the second population of Pc3 waves. It also demonstrates in new detail the manner in which kinetic physics at the bow shock, driven by structure in the solar wind, can influence magnetospheric dynamics.

Plumes of the plasmasphere and variations in the geomagnetic field horizontal component

The effects of the dayside and dusk plumes of the plasmasphere during the ring current recovery phase on the disturbance level of the ground geomagnetic field horizontal component have been considered. It has been indicated that the geomagnetic field horizontal component changes specifically and synchronously in the region corresponding to the plasmaspheric dayside plume. Outside the plume the time variations in the geomagnetic field horizontal component pronouncedly differs. A spectral analysis of disturbances in the geomagnetic field horizontal components in the range of geomagnetic pulsations indicated that the intensity in the range of Pc4 pulsations increases at magnetic stations located on field lines corresponding to the dayside and dusk plumes of the plasmasphere. These pulsations detected in the dynamic spectrum of the geomagnetic field horizontal components in the dayside plume region of the plasmasphere, probably reflect the resonance oscillations of magnetic field lines in the region of field-aligned currents at comparatively low altitudes. We assume that this is caused by the instability of field-aligned currents originating as a result of the interaction between the ring current energetic ions and electromagnetic waves in the region with a relatively dense background plasma of the dayside plume.

Studies of Geomagnetic Pulsations Using Magnetometer Data from the CHAMP Low-Earth-Orbit Satellite and Ground-Based Stations: a Review

We review research on geomagnetic pulsations carried out using magnetic field measurements from the CHAMP low-Earth-orbit (LEO) satellite and ground-based stations in South Africa and Hungary. The high quality magnetic field measurements from CHAMP made it possible to extract and clearly resolve Pi2 and Pc3 pulsations in LEO satellite data. Our analyses for nighttime Pi2 pulsations are indicative of a cavity mode resonance. However, observations of daytime Pi2 pulsation events identified in ground station data show no convincing evidence of their occurrence in CHAMP data. We also studied low-latitude Pc3 pulsations and found that different types of field line resonant structure occur, namely discrete frequencies driven by a narrow band source and L-dependent frequencies driven by a broad band source.

Frequency-dependent polarization characteristics of Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations observed by multipoint ground stations at low latitudes

[1] We have investigated Pc1 geomagnetic pulsations observed by induction magnetometers at three low-latitude stations (Paratunka (PTK), Moshiri (MSR), and Sata (STA), L=1.2–2.1). A detailed polarization analysis shows that polarization parameters (angle of polarization ellipse orientation, Ψ, and polarization sense, ɛ) of individual Pc1 bands depend on frequency at all three stations. The dependence of Ψ on frequency was seen in ∼70% of the 93 Pc1 events observed at MSR (L=1.5) from 14 July 2007 to 13 July 2009. The maxima of seasonal and diurnal variations of the occurrence rate were in winter and during the nighttime, as reported previously, indicating that the transmission of observed Pc1 pulsations to lower latitudes is controlled by the density of the F layer plasma. These facts suggest that spatially distributed Pc1 waves with varying frequencies depending on longitude or latitude at high latitudes propagated in the ionospheric duct to cause the frequency dependence of polarization parameters at low latitudes. We also suggest that the Pc1 pearl structure with a repetition period of ∼5–30 s observed at low latitudes is a beat of high-latitude waves with slightly different frequencies.

Variations in the ULF index of daytime geomagnetic pulsations during recurrent magnetic storms

A new index of wave activity (ULF index) is applied to analyze daytime magnetic pulsations in the Pc5 range (f = 2–7 mHz) during ten successive recurrent magnetic storms (CIR (corotating interaction region) storms) of 2006. The most intense daytime geomagnetic Pc5 pulsations on the Earth’s surface in all phases of CIR storms are predominantly observed in the pre-noon sector at latitudes higher than 70°, while those in CME storms (storms initiated by coronal mass ejection (CME)) are observed at latitudes lower than 70°. A comparison of wave activity during CIR and CME storms has shown that the amplitude of Pc5 pulsations in CIR storms is much smaller than that in CME storms and the spectrum maximum is observed at lower frequencies and higher latitudes. At the same time, the mechanism of ULF wave generation during both types of magnetic storms seems to be similar, namely, resonance of magnetic field lines due to the development of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability caused by an approach of a high-velocity solar wind stream to the Earth’s magnetosphere. Since resonance oscillations are excited only in the closed magnetosphere, the higher-latitude position of the Pc5 pulsation intensity maximum in CIR storms points to larger dimensions of the daytime magnetosphere during CIR storms as compared to CME storms.

The relation between geomagnetic pulsations and an increase in the fluxes of geosynchronous relativistic electrons during geomagnetic storms

The dynamics of the Pc5 and Pi1 pulsation characteristics and relativistic electron fluxes at geostationary orbit were comparatively analyzed for three nine-day intervals, including quiet periods and periods of geomagnetic storms. It was shown that relativistic electron fluxes increase considerably when the power of global Pc5 pulsations and the index of midlatitude irregular Pi1 pulsations increase simultaneously. The correlation between the characteristics of Pi1 and Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations and the level of the relativistic electron flux at geostationary orbit during the magnetic storm recovery phase were studied. It was shown that the correlation coefficient of the relativistic electron maximal fluxes during the magnetic storm recovery phase with the parameter of midlatitude Pi1 pulsations is slightly higher than such a correlation coefficient with the solar wind velocity.

Multipoint observation of fast mode waves trapped in the dayside plasmasphere

Multipoint observations of a dayside Pc4 pulsation event provide evidence of fast mode waves trapped in the plasmasphere (plasmaspheric cavity mode or virtual resonance). Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS)‐A, the primary source of data for the present study, was moving outward near noon and detected poloidal oscillations, characterized by the azimuthal electric field component Ey and the radial and compressional magnetic field components Bx and Bz. The structure of the plasmasphere was constructed from the mass density radial profile estimated from the frequency of toroidal standing Alfvén waves observed at this spacecraft. The outer edge of the plasmapause (the maximum of the equatorial Alfvén velocity VAeq) was located at L ∼ 7, and the minimum of VAeq was located at L ∼ 4, forming a potential well structure required for mode trapping. Relative to the ground magnetic pulsations observed in the H component at a low‐latitude station (L = 1.5), the Ey component exhibited a broad amplitude maximum around L ∼ 3.5 and maintained a nearly constant phase from L = 2 to L = 5. In contrast, the Bz component exhibited an amplitude minimum and switched its phase by 180° at L = 3.8. This radial mode structure is consistent with theoretical models of mode trapping. Also, the Ey and Bz components oscillated ±90° out of phase, as is expected for radially standing waves.

Upstream Pc3‐4 waves: Experimental evidence of propagation to the nightside plasmapause/plasmatrough

Compressional magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waves in the Pc3‐4 frequency range (≃10–50 mHz) are generally believed to be generated upstream of the Earth's bow‐shock in reflected proton beams. Inside the closed field‐line geometry, these waves are conventionally considered to be a dayside phenomenon. However, recent studies suggest that some of the nighttime Pc4 pulsations may in fact have an upstream origin. In this letter, we report synchronous variations of the Pc3‐4 spectra near post‐dawn cusp and nightside plasmapause/plasmatrough as observed by HF radar and ground magnetometers. The measured Pc3‐4 frequency closely follows that of the upstream waves theoretically predicted based on the dynamics of the interplanetary magnetic field, which presents the most convincing evidence to date of upstream‐generated Pc3‐4 waves propagating to the nightside magnetosphere in the closed field‐line geometry. We conclude the letter with a brief discussion of a possible propagation scenario.

Empirically modelled Pc3 activity based on solar wind parameters

Abstract. It is known that under certain solar wind (SW)/interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions (e.g. high SW speed, low cone angle) the occurrence of ground-level Pc3–4 pulsations is more likely. In this paper we demonstrate that in the event of anomalously low SW particle density, Pc3 activity is extremely low regardless of otherwise favourable SW speed and cone angle. We re-investigate the SW control of Pc3 pulsation activity through a statistical analysis and two empirical models with emphasis on the influence of SW density on Pc3 activity. We utilise SW and IMF measurements from the OMNI project and ground-based magnetometer measurements from the MM100 array to relate SW and IMF measurements to the occurrence of Pc3 activity. Multiple linear regression and artificial neural network models are used in iterative processes in order to identify sets of SW-based input parameters, which optimally reproduce a set of Pc3 activity data. The inclusion of SW density in the parameter set significantly improves the models. Not only the density itself, but other density related parameters, such as the dynamic pressure of the SW, or the standoff distance of the magnetopause work equally well in the model. The disappearance of Pc3s during low-density events can have at least four reasons according to the existing upstream wave theory: 1. Pausing the ion-cyclotron resonance that generates the upstream ultra low frequency waves in the absence of protons, 2. Weakening of the bow shock that implies less efficient reflection, 3. The SW becomes sub-Alfvénic and hence it is not able to sweep back the waves propagating upstream with the Alfvén-speed, and 4. The increase of the standoff distance of the magnetopause (and of the bow shock). Although the models cannot account for the lack of Pc3s during intervals when the SW density is extremely low, the resulting sets of optimal model inputs support the generation of mid latitude Pc3 activity predominantly through upstream waves.

Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations, pulsating particle precipitation, and VLF chorus: Case study on 24 November 2006

The event (24 November 2006, ∼0400–0500 UT) of the simultaneous observations of Pc5 ULF geomagnetic pulsations, electron precipitation (CNA riometer absorption), and whistler‐mode chorus, as well as solar wind (SW) and IMF parameters have been analyzed based on the data from IMAGE magnetometers, Finnish riometer array, and temporal VLF station. The visible correlation between the simultaneous occurrence of several minutes scale patches of chorus and pulsating CNA enhancements was found. The dynamic spectra of the riometer data showed a maximum at ∼3.5 mHz in the first half‐hour interval and at ∼2.0 mHz in the second one, while the ULF pulsation spectra exhibit these two maxima in both intervals simultaneously. In the first time interval, the Pc5 pulsations at ∼3.5 mHz demonstrated the typical FLR feature. The SW dynamic pressure fluctuations showed a broad (1.5–3.5 mHz) spectral maximum in the first interval; however, in the second one, the simultaneous oscillations at ∼2.0 mHz were observed in SW pressure and in IMF Bz. The similar ∼2.0 mHz peak has been found in the spectra of Pc5 pulsations from auroral zone to the equator, in riometer absorption, and in VLF chorus power. We suggest that the modulation of particle precipitation and whistler‐mode chorus patches was caused by the 2.0 mHz compressional component of Pc5 poloidal geomagnetic pulsations driven in the magnetosphere by SW dynamic pressure and IMF Bz disturbances.

Relation between microcirculation parameters and Pc3 geomagnetic pulsations

An individual analysis of long-term monitoring of microcirculation parameters of nine healthy volunteers showed that an increase in the geomagnetic activity led to an increase in tissue perfusion, variability of blood flow and growth of the amplitude of neurogenic and myogenic oscillations in four volunteers. It was found that the degree of microcirculation sensitivity to the level of geomagnetic activity values with time and is proportional to its average level in the period of measurement. A comparison of frequency ranges of oscillations of blood flow and variations of the geomagnetic activity shows that neurogenic and myogenic oscillations showing the highest sensitivity to the geomagnetic activity have the same frequency as geomagnetic Pc3 pulsations. The pulsations of this frequency range are excited mainly during geomagnetic disturbances, which may explain the correlation between the microcirculation parameters and the Kp index. The relation of the amplitude-frequency characteristics of Pc3-pulsations can explain the results obtained using the alternating magnetic fields.

Excitation of Pc5 pulsations of the geomagnetic field and riometric absorption

We consider in detail the intense Pc5 pulsations of the magnetic field, riometric absorption, and electron fluxes occurred on the recovery phase of the strong magnetic storm on November 21, 2003. The global structure of these disturbances is studied using the world network of magnetometers and riometers supplemented by the data of particle detectors onboard the LANL geosynchronous satellites. The local spatial structure is investigated according to data of the regional network of Finnish vertical riometers and of stations of the IMAGE magnetic network. Though a certain similarity is observed in the frequency composition and time evolution of the variations of magnetic field and riometric absorption, the local spatial structure of these oscillations turns out to be different. It is suggested that these variations can be manifestations of oscillatory properties of two weakly connected systems: the magnetospheric MHD waveguide/resonator and the system cyclotron noise + electrons. The recorded Pc5 oscillations are, presumably, a result of excitation of the magnetospheric waveguide on the morning and evening flanks of the magnetosphere. At high velocities of the solar wind this waveguide can appear in a metastable state. Not only jumps in the solar wind density, but injection of electrons into the magnetosphere as well, can serve as a trigger for the waveguide excitation.

Afternoon Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations on the Earth’s surface and in the ionosphere (STARE radars)

Two cases when Pc5 geomagnetic pulsations were registered at the IMAGE Scandinavian network of stations and with STARE radars in the afternoon sector (1700–1800 MLT) during the recovery phase of the moderate magnetic storm are analyzed in detail. Using the ground-based observations, it has been indicated that classical quasimonochromatic resonance Pc5 pulsations were observed in the first case (on October 12, 1999; Kp = 5); in this case the maximal amplitude of the spectral maximum at a frequency of 2.5 mHz was registered at Φ ∼ 65°. Two maximums were observed in the spectrum in the second case (on October 13, 1999; Kp = 4): ∼2.5 mHz (the same maximum) and 2.9 mHz; in this case the maximal oscillation amplitude (2.5 mHz) shifted to Φ > 67°. These results were compared with the echo signal intensity simultaneously registered with the STARE Finland radar on a beam oriented along the 105° geomagnetic meridian. The spatial-temporal maps of the Pc5 pulsation amplitude latitudinal distribution (“keograms”), constructed based on the radar measurements in the wide range of geomagnetic latitudes (63°–70°) where the resolution was substantially higher than that of the ground-based observations, made it possible to detect two regions spaced in latitude (Φ ∼ 65° and Φ ∼ 67°–68°) with the simultaneous excitation of oscillations (double resonance?), between which the plasmapause projection was supposedly located.

Generation of magnetic and particle Pc5 pulsations during the recovery phase of strong magnetic storms

The dynamics of intense ultra-low-frequency (ULF) activity during three successive strong magnetic storms during 29–31 October 2003 are considered in detail. The spatial structure of Pc5 waves during the recovery phases of these storms is considered not only from the perspective of possible physical mechanisms, but as an important parameter of the ULF driver of relativistic electrons. The global structure of these disturbances is studied using data from a worldwide array of magnetometers and riometers augmented with data from particle detectors and magnetometers on board magnetospheric satellites (GOES, LANL). The local spatial structure is examined using the IMAGE magnetometers and Finnish riometer array. Though a general similarity between the quasi-periodic magnetic and riometer variations is observed, their local propagation patterns turn out to be different. To interpret the observations, we suggest a hypothesis of coupling between two oscillatory systems—a magnetospheric magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) waveguide/resonator and a system consisting of turbulence + electrons. We propose that the observed Pc5 oscillations are the result of MHD waveguide excitation along the dawn and dusk flanks of the magnetosphere. The magnetospheric waveguide turns out to be in a meta-stable state under high solar wind velocities, and quasi-periodic fluctuations of the solar wind plasma density stimulate the waveguide excitation.

A study of L-dependent Pc3 pulsations observed by low Earth orbiting CHAMP satellite

Abstract. Field line resonances (FLR) driven by compressional waves are an important mechanism for the generation of ULF geomagnetic pulsations observed at all latitudes during local daytime. References to observations of toroidal standing Alfvén mode oscillations with clearly L-dependent frequencies from spacecraft in the outer magnetosphere for L>3 are limited in the literature. Such observations in the inner magnetosphere for L<3 have not yet been reported in the literature. This study offers two interesting case studies of observations of ULF waves by the low Earth orbiting CHAMP satellite. The magnetic field measurements from CHAMP, which are of unprecedented accuracy and resolution, are compared to Hermanus magnetometer data for times when CHAMP crosses the ground station L-shell, namely for 13 February 2002 and 18 February 2003. The data were analysed for Pc3 pulsation activity using the Maximum Entropy Spectral Analysis (MESA) method to visualise FLRs in the vector magnetometer data. For the first time observations of Pc3 toroidal oscillations with clearly L-dependent frequencies for lower L-shell values (L<3) observed by an LEO satellite are reported. These observations show FLR frequencies increasing as a function of decreasing latitude down to L=1.6 and then decreasing as a result of the larger plasma density of the upper ionosphere. The L-dependent frequency oscillations were observed in the presence of a broadband compressional wave spectrum. Our observations thus confirm the well-known magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) wave theoretical prediction of a compressional wave being the driver of the field line resonance.

10.1007/s11478-008-2007-2

The negative and positive fronts of the IMF B z component arrived at intervals of 3 h during a strong magnetic storm of May 15, 2005. The occurrence of Pc5 pulsations at these three characteristic instants has been considered based on the WIND satellite magnetic data. Pulsations originated not only during sudden compression SC of the magnetosphere but also during the B z sign reversal from positive to negative. The IMF B z sign reversal from negative to positive did not affect the development of pulsations. It is assumed that Pc5 pulsations observed after the negative IMF B z front are related to the development of surface waves at the magnetopause as a result of impulsive reconnection of field lines.

Electric and magnetic field observations of Pc4 and Pc5 pulsations in the inner magnetosphere: A statistical study

Ultralow frequency (ULF) waves in the Pc4 and Pc5 bands are ubiquitous in the inner magnetosphere and have significant influence on energetic particle transport. Investigating the source and characteristics of ULF waves also helps us better understand the interaction processes between the solar wind and the magnetosphere. However, owing to the limitation in instrumentation and spatial coverage, the distribution of ULF waves in local time and L shell in the inner magnetosphere has not been completely studied. The recent Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions During Substorms (THEMIS) mission provides unique opportunities to investigate the spatial distribution of ULF pulsations across different L shells with full local time coverage in the inner magnetosphere during solar minimum, with both electric and magnetic field measurements. Pc4 and Pc5 pulsations in the electric field observations are identified throughout 13 months of measurements, covering 24 h in local time. The pulsations are characterized as either toroidal or poloidal (including compressional) mode, depending on the polarization of the electric field. Subsequently, the pulsations' occurrence rate and wave power distributions in radial distance and local time are recorded. While the distributions of both Pc4 and Pc5 events vary greatly with radial distance and local time, Pc4 events are more frequently observed in the inner region around 5–6 RE and Pc5 events are more frequently observed in the outer region around 7–9 RE, which suggests that the field line resonance is an important source of the ULF waves. In the flank regions, the wave power is dominated by the toroidal mode, likely associated with the Kelvin‐Helmholtz (KH) instability. In the noon sector, the Pc5 ULF wave power is dominated by the poloidal mode, likely associated with the solar wind dynamic pressure disturbance. The KH instability plays an important role, suggested by our observations, during the solar minimum when the solar wind dynamic pressure is relatively weak. We also find that the contributions to the Pc5 ULF wave power from the external sources are larger than the contributions from the internal sources. These statistical results are important in characterizing Pc4 and Pc5 waves and also important for any efforts to model the transport of energetic particles in the magnetosphere.

Prediction of maximal daily average values of relativistic electron fluxes in geostationary orbit during the magnetic storm recovery phase

The relation of the maximal daily average values of the relativistic electron fluxes with an energy higher than 2 MeV, obtained from the measurements on GOES geostationary satellites, during the recovery phase of magnetic storms to the solar wind parameters and magnetospheric activity indices has been considered. The parameters of Pc5 and Pi1 geomagnetic pulsations and the relativistic electron fluxes during the prestorm period and the main phase of magnetic storms have been used together with the traditional indices of geomagnetic activity (AE, Kp, Dst). A simple model for predicting relativistic electron fluxes has been proposed for the first three days of the magnetic storm recovery phase. The predicted fluxes of the outer radiation belt relativistic electrons well correlate with the observed values (R ∼ 0.8–0.9).