Comparing Penetration Electric Fields Using the Tsyganenko R1 and R2 Models and the Hill-Siscoe Polar Cap Potential
Abstract
Tsyganenko and co-workers have developed empirical models (labeled here as TR1, TR2) for the Region-1 (R1) and Region-2 (R2) currents. These models offer the advantage of being analyti-cally simple and solar-wind driven as well as giving the parallel current distributions in latitude and longitude . A study will be performed that uses the TR1 and TR2 models as inputs into our SWAGE (Solar Wind Acting on the Geophysical Environment) model that determines the global ionospheric electric field. Comparisons will be made between the Tsyganenko approach and that derived from the Hill-Siscoe model for the same solar wind parameters. Both current models will be used as inputs into a global ionospheric potential solver for the current continu-ity equation with the resulting equatorial penetration electric fields being compared with those measured via the vertical drift at Jicamarca, Peru. It is anticipated that such an approach will lead to an improved, solar-wind dependent , empirical model for R1 and, possibly, for R2 that will useful as near-term forecast tool.
- Publication:
-
38th COSPAR Scientific Assembly
- Pub Date:
- 2010
- Bibcode:
- 2010cosp...38.1152R