The Cusp Ion Outflow up to 6 Re: Statistical Study on Polar and FAST Conjunction Events

Abstract:

We examine Polar and FAST conjunction events along the cusp magnetic flux tubes to study the energization process of ion outflows in the mid- and low-altitude cusp, after these ions leave the upper ionosphere. FAST provides information on the boundary conditions at low-altitudes (~1.6 Re geocentric distance). Polar traverses cusp flux tubes at radial distances of 2 to 9 Re, providing good coverage of the low- and mid-altitude cusp. We compare the wave Poynting flux in the 1 mHz to 1 Hz range and the kinetic energy fluxes of the electrons and ions. The comparisons of these quantities between Polar and FAST determine the energy gain of the particles, especially the ion outflows between the two spacecraft. The Poynting flux is binned into major frequency bands, because it is important to understand the frequency spectrum of the wave energy, and which frequency bands energize the ions. Based on the conjunction events, altitude profiles of various quantities can be obtained. These altitude profiles will reveal the energy conversion between wave and particle in the low- and mid-altitude cusp. Determining the altitude where the most intense energy conversion occurs and what wave frequency bands provide the energy are important to explaining the physics of the heating and acceleration of the ion outflows.