Propagation of electric fields during Pi2 pulsations based on multi­ple magnetospheric satellites and ionospheric radars

Abstract:

Pi2 pulsations are irregular oscillations having 40-150 s periods, and their source lies in the nightside magnetosphere. Electromagnetic disturbances associated with Pi2 pulsations propagate through the magnetosphere by magnetohydrodynamic waves. The compressional fast mode waves are launched by localized plasma sheet fast flows and propagate into the inner magnetosphere. On the other hand, the velocity shears at the edge of these flows excite shear Alfven waves, which transport magnetic shear and carry field-aligned currents along field lines. These propagation processes have been proposed based on several previous studies using magnetic field observations and numerical simulations. However, there have been few results by electric field observations although the electric field is an important quantity for detecting Pi2 pulsations than magnetic field. In addition, Pi2 pulsations are known to be associated with substorms. Nishimura et al. [2012] shows evolution of auroral streamers at the substorm onset time followed by Pi2 pulsations after a few minutes, using ground-based observations. It suggests that Pi2 pulsations are driven by multiple plasma sheet flow bursts to earthward, and reflects the nature of the current wedge and plasma sheet flow bursts. However, it is unknown whether Pi2 pulsations in the magnetosphere are caused by the oscillating current wedge or induced by a cavity mode. Therefore, simultaneous spacecraft and ground-based observations need to investigate this issue. In this study, we investigate the evolution and propagation of the electric field during Pi2 pulsations using THEMIS, Van Allen Probes, GOES 13 and 15, SuperDARN and HF Doppler radars. Pi2 events are identified by the low-latitude geomagnetic field detected at Kakioka and AL index. We will investigate several events that satellites and radars have the same local time, and evaluate the possible propagation process of the electromagnetic energy associated with Pi2 pulsations.