Dynamics of the field-aligned current distribution during a magnetic storm: AMPERE

Abstract:

Field-aligned current density in the ionosphere can be used to identify the location and intensity of solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling, and help identify the large-scale processes that contribute to this coupling. The Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response Experiment (AMPERE) mission effectively provides high-resolution spatial and temporal measurements of the radial current during magnetic storms. These in situ measurements are complementary to magnetic remote sensing from the ground using magnetometer arrays. Here we examine two storms, on May 29, 2010 and August 5, 2011, using AMPERE and solar wind data. We identify the regions whose radial current density has the greatest correlation with solar wind coupling functions and individual magnetic and plasma variables. We develop a statistical model of the radial current density from the magnetospheric and solar wind data which is then used to represent regions of outflowing and inflowing current in the two hemispheres. While the model is limited in representing high spatial resolution, time series of regional and global field-aligned current are reproduced with relatively large correlation coefficients (0.70-0.90) in each event.