The effect of ring current electron scattering rates on M-I coupling

This simulation study investigates the electrodynamic impact of varying descriptions of the diffuse aurora on the magnetosphere-ionosphere (M-I) system. Pitch angle diffusion caused by waves in the inner magnetosphere is the primary source term for the diffuse aurora, especially during storm time. A number of empirical models have been developed to define the subsequent scattering rate of ring current electrons. This study investigates the magnetic local time (MLT) and storm dependent electrodynamic impacts of the diffuse aurora using a comparison between a self-consistent version of the hot electron ion drift integrator (HEIDI) with varying electron scattering rates and real geomagnetic storm events. The results are compared with multiple data sets including, but not limited to, Dst and hemispheric power indices, auroral electron flux, and electric field observations. Large differences in the systems response are shown between scattering rate descriptions.