Physics – Plasma Physics
Scientific paper
Jul 2002
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2002jgra..107.1120w&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research (Space Physics), Volume 107, Issue A7, pp. SMP 19-1, CiteID 1120, DOI 10.1029/2001JA900168
Physics
Plasma Physics
11
Space Plasma Physics: Kinetic And Mhd Theory, Magnetospheric Physics: Energetic Particles, Precipitating, Ionosphere: Particle Acceleration, Ionosphere: Ionosphere/Magnetosphere Interactions (2736)
Scientific paper
The acceleration of current carriers in an Alfvén wave current system is considered. The model incorporates a dipole magnetic field geometry, and we present an analytical solution of the two-fluid equations by successive approximations. The leading solution corresponds to the familiar single-fluid toroidal oscillations. The next order describes the nonlinear dynamics of electrons responsible for carrying a few μAm-2 field aligned current into the ionosphere. The solution shows how most of the electron acceleration in the magnetosphere occurs within 1 RE of the ionosphere, and that a parallel electric field of the order of 1 mVm-1 is responsible for energising the electrons to 1 keV. The limitations of the electron fluid approximation are considered, and a qualitative solution including electron beams and a modified E∥ is developed in accord with observations. We find that the electron acceleration can be nonlinear, (ve∥∇∥)ve∥ > ωve∥, as a result of our nonuniform equilibrium field geometry even when ve∥ is less than the Alfvén speed. Our calculation also elucidates the processes through which E∥ is generated and supported.
Allan W.
Elphic Richard C.
Ruderman Michael S.
Wright Andrew. N.
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