Self-consistent Solution for the Electrostatic Potential Distribution Along Auroral Magnetic Field Lines

Details Self-consistent Solution for the Electrostatic Potential Distribution Along Auroral Magnetic Field Lines Self-consistent Solution for the Electrostatic Potential Distribution Along Auroral Magnetic Field Lines

Dec 2004

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2004agufmsm51a0349b&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2004, abstract #SM51A-0349

Physics

2704 Auroral Phenomena (2407), 2712 Electric Fields (2411), 2716 Energetic Particles, Precipitating, 2736 Magnetosphere/Ionosphere Interactions

Scientific paper

The distribution of the electrostatic potential along current-carrying auroral magnetic flux tubes is studied analytically, assuming Maxwellian magnetospheric and ionospheric particle sources. Although the current gives the total potential drop from simple orbit theory (Knight's current-voltage relation based on collision-free particle motion conserving energy and momentum), the determination of the potential distribution and electric field requires detailed considerations of (1) particle accessibility, (2) mapping of the source particle distribution functions, and (3) the necessary quasi-neutrality everywhere along the magnetic field lines. In general, a self-consistent solution can only be found if a potential step (electrostatic double layer) is allowed, accounting for a sizable fraction of the total potential drop. For typical parameters this occurs at an altitude of around 1 Re, the potential is nearly constant below the potential step, drops by hundreds of volts or a few kilovolts at the step, and then asymptotically falls of in proportion to the magnetic field intensity.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Self-consistent Solution for the Electrostatic Potential Distribution Along Auroral Magnetic Field Lines does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Self-consistent Solution for the Electrostatic Potential Distribution Along Auroral Magnetic Field Lines, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Self-consistent Solution for the Electrostatic Potential Distribution Along Auroral Magnetic Field Lines will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1469606