Identification

Title

The role of solar wind density in cross polar cap potential saturation under northward interplanetary magnetic field

Abstract

The role of solar wind density in the cross polar cap potential (CPCP) response under northward interplanetary magnetic field is investigated with observation-based global simulations. A rare event was reported by Clauer et al. (2016) during which the ionospheric electric field E-ISP does not saturate under extreme interplanetary electric field (IEF) of similar to 15 mV/m. While commonly utilized coupling functions based on IEF fail to provide an unambiguous explanation for the linear response, the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry-Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupler/Solver model is used to explore the mechanisms in this study. The model first reproduces the observed linear features of the E-ISP. The simulated CPCP also responds linearly to IEF variations. A controlled simulation is designed with solar wind density artificially reduced to 10% of the observed value while all other parameters such as the IEF are kept the same. The controlled simulation shows saturation of the E-ISP as well as the CPCP. Further analysis shows the difference in the magnetosheath plasma beta, implying the distinct dominant forces between the two simulations. The Lopez magnetosheath force balance theory is used to explain the CPCP responses under different solar wind densities. This comparison study highlights the role of solar wind density in determining the magnetosphere-ionosphere response to extreme interplanetary drivings.

Resource type

document

Resource locator

Unique resource identifier

code

https://n2t.org/ark:/85065/d7th8qbz

codeSpace

Dataset language

eng

Spatial reference system

code identifying the spatial reference system

Classification of spatial data and services

Topic category

geoscientificInformation

Keywords

Keyword set

keyword value

Text

originating controlled vocabulary

title

Resource Type

reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2016-01-01T00:00:00Z

Geographic location

West bounding longitude

East bounding longitude

North bounding latitude

South bounding latitude

Temporal reference

Temporal extent

Begin position

End position

Dataset reference date

date type

publication

effective date

2017-12-11T00:00:00Z

Frequency of update

Quality and validity

Lineage

Conformity

Data format

name of format

version of format

Constraints related to access and use

Constraint set

Use constraints

Limitations on public access

None

Responsible organisations

Responsible party

contact position

OpenSky Support

organisation name

UCAR/NCAR - Library

full postal address

PO Box 3000

Boulder

80307-3000

email address

opensky@ucar.edu

web address

http://opensky.ucar.edu/

name: homepage

responsible party role

pointOfContact

Metadata on metadata

Metadata point of contact