Field-Aligned and Ionospheric Currents. Simulation Results.

Sonya Lyatsky
NASA Goddard Space Flight Center

Wed, February 13, 2019 - 4:00 PM
Karl Herzfeld Auditorium of Hannan Hall - Rm 108

We present simulation results of the 3-D magnetosphere-ionosphere current system including the Region 1, Region 2 field-aligned currents, ionospheric currents, and interhemispheric field-aligned currents flowing between conjugate ionospheres in the case of asymmetry in ionospheric conductivities in two hemispheres. We computed the maps of field-aligned and ionospheric currents for various ionospheric conductivity configuration and magnitude and studied the effect of these currents on the global current system and the development of the westward and eastward auroral electrojet. The results show that the interhemispheric currents can be an important part of the global 3-D current system in high-latitude ionosphere, especially during summer-winter months, when in winter ionosphere they can be comparable and even exceed both Region 1 and Region 2 currents. These interhemispheric currents link together processes in two hemispheres. The study of the contribution from the interhemispheric currents into the total 3-D current system allows us to improve understanding and forecasting of geomagnetic, auroral, and ionospheric disturbances in two hemispheres. 

Refreshments served at 3:45 PM

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