Empirical plasmapause models from magnetic indices
We use a database of CRRES in situ observations of plasmapause crossings to build empirical models of the plasmapause location as a function of geomagnetic indices. Previous models used the maximum value in Kp during the hours to days leading up to the plasmapause crossing. We find that a recent max...
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Published in | Geophysical research letters Vol. 30; no. 4; pp. 1152 - n/a |
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Main Authors | , |
Format | Journal Article |
Language | English |
Published |
American Geophysical Union
01.02.2003
Blackwell Publishing Ltd |
Subjects | |
Online Access | Get full text |
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Summary: | We use a database of CRRES in situ observations of plasmapause crossings to build empirical models of the plasmapause location as a function of geomagnetic indices. Previous models used the maximum value in Kp during the hours to days leading up to the plasmapause crossing. We find that a recent maximum in AE or minimum in Dst provides a better model of the plasmapause radius than does maximum Kp. AE and Dst measure specific current systems (the auroral electrojet and ring current, respectively). The AE model suggests that substorms may be involved in the erosion of the plasmapause. The Dst model suggests that ring current may be formed by the same electric field that erodes the plasmapause. In more complex models, Kp and AE can describe local time structure in the plasmapause, with the furthest plasmapause before dawn at quiet times, premidnight at active times. |
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Bibliography: | ark:/67375/WNG-2J99HWNJ-0 ArticleID:2002GL016007 istex:769CD1C72BD310C050AF9B6377FDE8F132CC54B2 ObjectType-Article-2 SourceType-Scholarly Journals-1 ObjectType-Feature-1 content type line 23 |
ISSN: | 0094-8276 1944-8007 |
DOI: | 10.1029/2002GL016007 |