On the relationship between dynamics of the polar thermosphere and morphology of the aurora: Global-scale observations from Dynamics Explorers 1 and 2

Autor: Paul B. Hays, Nelson W. Spencer, Timothy L. Killeen, Roderick A. Heelis, L. H. Brace, Raymond G. Roble, L. A. Frank, G. R. Carignan, John D. Craven, J. J. Ponthieu
Rok vydání: 1988
Předmět:
Zdroj: Journal of Geophysical Research. 93:2675
ISSN: 0148-0227
DOI: 10.1029/ja093ia04p02675
Popis: The effect of the neutral-air circulation in the high-latitude F region on the spatial distribution of the aurora is investigated on the basis of simultaneous global-scale auroral images and neutral-wind vectors obtained over the northern polar cap by the DE 1 and DE 2 satellites in December 1981. The results are presented graphically, along with DE 2 data on the composition, ion densities, and cross-track ion drift of the neutral winds and ISEE-3 IMF measurements, and analyzed. It is found that the large-scale features of the neutral circulation follow the substorm-driven expansion and contraction of the auroral oval, and that the drag effect from ions convecting sunward extends to much lower latitudes and has a more complex morphology than that predicted by GCMs. A number of asymmetries in the flow patterns are considered in detail.
Databáze: OpenAIRE
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