scholarly journals On the ionospheric coupling of auroral electric fields

2009 ◽  
Vol 16 (2) ◽  
pp. 365-372 ◽  
Author(s):  
G. T. Marklund
Keyword(s):  
Electric Field ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Size ◽  
Current Voltage ◽  
Current Region ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Downward Currents ◽  
Current Voltage Relation ◽  
Small Scale Structures

Abstract. The quasi-static coupling of high-altitude potential structures and electric fields to the ionosphere is discussed with particular focus on the downward field-aligned current (FAC) region. Results are presented from a preliminary analysis of a selection of electric field events observed by Cluster above the acceleration region. The degree of coupling is here estimated as the ratio between the magnetic field-aligned potential drop, ΔΦII, as inferred from the characteristic energy of upward ion (electron) beams for the upward (downward) current region and the high-altitude perpendicular (to B) potential, ΔΦbot, as calculated by integrating the perpendicular electric field across the structure. For upward currents, the coupling can be expressed analytically, using the linear current-voltage relation, as outlined by Weimer et al. (1985). This gives a scale size dependent coupling where structures are coupled (decoupled) above (below) a critical scale size. For downward currents, the current-voltage relation is highly non-linear which complicates the understanding of how the coupling works. Results from this experimental study indicate that small-scale structures are decoupled, similar to small-scale structures in the upward current region. There are, however, exceptions to this rule as illustrated by Cluster results of small-scale intense electric fields, correlated with downward currents, indicating a perfect coupling between the ionosphere and Cluster altitude.

Exploring Coronal Structures with SOHO

2000 ◽  
Vol 179 ◽  
pp. 403-406
Author(s):  
M. Karovska ◽  
B. Wood ◽  
J. Chen ◽  
J. Cook ◽  
R. Howard
Keyword(s):  
Solar Corona ◽  
Image Enhancement ◽  
Coronal Mass Ejections ◽  
Dynamical Evolution ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Low Contrast ◽  
Contrast Structures ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Small Scale Structures ◽  
Coronal Structures

AbstractWe applied advanced image enhancement techniques to explore in detail the characteristics of the small-scale structures and/or the low contrast structures in several Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) observed by SOHO. We highlight here the results from our studies of the morphology and dynamical evolution of CME structures in the solar corona using two instruments on board SOHO: LASCO and EIT.

scholarly journals Double layers in the downward current region of the aurora

2003 ◽  
Vol 10 (1/2) ◽  
pp. 45-52 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. E. Ergun ◽  
L. Andersson ◽  
C. W. Carlson ◽  
D. L. Newman ◽  
M. V. Goldman
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Field ◽  
Electron Beam ◽  
Phase Space ◽  
Electric Field ◽  
Electric Fields ◽  
Double Layers ◽  
Parallel Electric Field ◽  
Electrostatic Waves ◽  
Current Region ◽  
Decisive Evidence

Abstract. Direct observations of magnetic-field-aligned (parallel) electric fields in the downward current region of the aurora provide decisive evidence of naturally occurring double layers. We report measurements of parallel electric fields, electron fluxes and ion fluxes related to double layers that are responsible for particle acceleration. The observations suggest that parallel electric fields organize into a structure of three distinct, narrowly-confined regions along the magnetic field (B). In the "ramp" region, the measured parallel electric field forms a nearly-monotonic potential ramp that is localized to ~ 10 Debye lengths along B. The ramp is moving parallel to B at the ion acoustic speed (vs) and in the same direction as the accelerated electrons. On the high-potential side of the ramp, in the "beam" region, an unstable electron beam is seen for roughly another 10 Debye lengths along B. The electron beam is rapidly stabilized by intense electrostatic waves and nonlinear structures interpreted as electron phase-space holes. The "wave" region is physically separated from the ramp by the beam region. Numerical simulations reproduce a similar ramp structure, beam region, electrostatic turbulence region and plasma characteristics as seen in the observations. These results suggest that large double layers can account for the parallel electric field in the downward current region and that intense electrostatic turbulence rapidly stabilizes the accelerated electron distributions. These results also demonstrate that parallel electric fields are directly associated with the generation of large-amplitude electron phase-space holes and plasma waves.

scholarly journals Observational aspects of prominence oscillations

2007 ◽  
Vol 3 (S247) ◽  
pp. 152-157 ◽  
Author(s):  
Oddbjørn Engvold
Keyword(s):  
Magnetic Structure ◽  
Numerical Models ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Solar Prominences ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Oscillations And Waves ◽  
Available Information ◽  
Small Scale Structures

AbstractSeismology has become a powerful tool in studies of the magnetic structure of solar prominences and filaments. Reversely, analytical and numerical models are guided by available information about the spatial and thermodynamical structure of these enigmatic structures. The present invited paper reviews recent observational results on oscillations and waves as well as details about small-scale structures and dynamics of prominences and filaments.

scholarly journals Detailed maps of interstellar clouds in front of ω Centauri: small-scale structures in the Galactic disc-halo interface

2009 ◽  
Vol 399 (1) ◽  
pp. 195-208 ◽  
Author(s):  
Jacco Th. van Loon ◽  
Keith T. Smith ◽  
Iain McDonald ◽  
Peter J. Sarre ◽  
Stephen J. Fossey ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Small Scale ◽  
Galactic Disc ◽  
Interstellar Clouds ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Small Scale Structures

scholarly journals Stationary magnetospheric convection on November 24, 1981. 2. Small-scale structures in the dayside cusp/cleft

1999 ◽  
Vol 17 (3) ◽  
pp. 375 ◽  
Author(s):  
Y. I. Galperin ◽  
J. M. Bosqued ◽  
R. A. Kovrazhkin ◽  
A. G. Yahnin
Keyword(s):  
Small Scale ◽  
Magnetospheric Convection ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Small Scale Structures

scholarly journals GAMMA RAYS FROM SMALL SCALE STRUCTURES ON LONG COSMIC STRINGS

1993 ◽  
Vol 02 (02) ◽  
pp. 183-195 ◽  
Author(s):  
M. MOHAZZAB ◽  
R. BRANDENBERGER
Keyword(s):  
Gamma Rays ◽  
Gamma Ray ◽  
Cosmic Strings ◽  
Unit Length ◽  
Formation Rate ◽  
Long Strings ◽  
Small Scale ◽  
Scale Structures ◽  
Cusp Formation ◽  
Small Scale Structures

The formation of cusps on long cosmic strings is discussed and the probability of cusp formation is estimated. The energy distribution of the gamma-ray background due to cusp annihilation on long strings is calculated and compared to observations. Under optimistic assumptions about the cusp formation rate, we find that strings with a mass per unit length μ less than Gμ=10−14 will have an observable effect. However, it is shown that the gamma-ray bursters cannot be attributed to long ordinary strings (or loops).

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