Accession Number:

ADA278631

Title:

Simultaneous Observations of the Westward Electrojet and the Cross-Tail Current Sheet During Substorms

Descriptive Note:

Corporate Author:

AEROSPACE CORP EL SEGUNDO CA

Personal Author(s):

• Lopez, R. E.
• Spence, H. E.
• Meng, C. I.

Report Date:

1994-01-31

Pagination or Media Count:

14.0

Abstract:

In this report we present the results of a study using data from AMPTECCE, ground stations, and DMSP F7 during substorms. We have examined 12 events during which CCE was located near the neutral sheet and observed the disruption of the cross-tail current. During these events there were simultaneous ground magnetic field data near to the CCE local time sector. DMSP F7 crossed the nightside auroral oval within 40 minutes of substorm onset at CCE during five of the events. We find that the data are consisent with a near-Earth substorm initiation. We also find that the Tsyganenko 1987 magnetic field model requires an additional tail-like stress during substorms, which corresponds to an equatorward displacement of auroral zone field lines. Assuming that the center of the electrojet is drawn from the near-Earth region, the magnitude of this displacement is about 1 deg to 2 deg. Magnetosphere, Magnetotail, Current.

Descriptors:

• *MAGNETOSPHERE
• *MAGNETIC STORMS
• *ELECTROJETS
• MAGNETIC FIELDS
• POLARIZATION
• MODELS
• DISPLACEMENT
• AURORAE
• GROUND STATIONS

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Geomagnetism

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE