The effect of self-consistent ionospheric outflow on magnetotail stability and flows
Abstract
A number of theoretical and observational studies have demonstrated effects of O+ ions on magnetotail dynamics such as the strength of substorms and occurrence of fast flows. Some studies have attributed O+ effects to mass loading or stretching of the magnetotail, as well as to small-scale effects on reconnection. The research presented here brings together two fields of active research in magnetospheric physics - the impact of ionospheric plasma on magnetotail dynamics, and the global dynamics that bring about instabilities in the magnetotail, ultimately resulting in reconnection. Instabilities such as the Magnetic Flux Release Instability (MFRI) and interchange can be produced by tailward gradients of Bz.
Using the coupled IPWM outflow, LFM magnetosphere, and TIEGCM thermosphere/ionosphere models, we examine magnetotail structure and dynamics with and without ionospheric outflow. We examine MFRI and interchange-related stability parameters throughout the magnetotail for these simulations in order to examine the possible role of outflow in modifying magnetotail reconnection and flows through effects on these instabilities. By bringing these two research areas together, we shed light on the mechanisms by which ionospheric plasma may affect global magnetospheric dynamics and structure.- Publication:
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AGU Fall Meeting Abstracts
- Pub Date:
- December 2019
- Bibcode:
- 2019AGUFMSM23E3259G
- Keywords:
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- 2431 Ionosphere/magnetosphere interactions;
- IONOSPHERE;
- 2740 Magnetospheric configuration and dynamics;
- MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS;
- 2768 Plasmasphere;
- MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS;
- 7845 Particle acceleration;
- SPACE PLASMA PHYSICS