Energy Flow in the Magnetosphere-Ionosphere-Thermosphere (MIT) System

Abstract:

The conventional model of energy input and dissipation in the IT system assumes that the auroral zone is the primary locus for these processes. Recent work has revealed that, contrary to this traditional view, the polar cap can play a significant role in energy transfer during magnetic storms. DMSP measurements of DC Poynting flux shows high levels of electromagnetic energy entering the polar cap at all local times (LTs) in both hemispheres during storms. An analysis of ion temperature observations at DMSP altitudes shows that the largest temperature increases occur at polar latitudes during magnetic activity. Finally, observations of neutral densities from the CHAMP, GRACE and GOCE spacecraft show that the highest frequency of occurrence of heated neutrals occurs close to the poles in both hemispheres. These results demand a revision of the standard paradigm for MIT coupling.