O+ Ionospheric Outflows in Connection with Magnetospheric Processes

Abstract:

Ionosphere-Magnetosphere coupling phenomena are extremely complex and diverse, involving a whole series of processes operating over a wide range of spatial and temporal scales. One of the fundamental aspects of understanding this coupling is the study of ionospheric O+ flows into the magnetosphere. These ion flows represent not only the dominant mechanism of mass transport from the source region to the magnetosphere, but also strongly influence magnetospheric processes such as magnetic reconnection, polar-cross potential formation, and EMIC wave coupling and redistribution in the inner magnetospheric plasma. The mechanisms that control O+ ion outflows are the major topic that will be discussed in this talk.