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Friis-Christensen et al. 1988
Friis-Christensen, E., McHenry, M.A., Clauer, C.R. and Vennerstrøm, S. (1988). Ionospheric traveling convection vortices observed near the polar cleft: A triggered response to sudden changes in the solar wind. Geophysical Research Letters 15: doi: 10.1029/88GL02048. issn: 0094-8276.

Analysis of 20-second resolution magnetometer data from an array of temporary stations operated around S¿ndre Str¿mfjord, Greenland during the summer of 1986 shows the signatures of localized ionospheric traveling convection vortices. An example of an isolated event of this kind observed near 08 local time is presented in detail. This event consists of a twin vortex pattern of convection consistent with the presence of two field-aligned current filaments separated by about 600 km in the east-west direction. This system of current is observed to move westward (tailward) past the array of stations at about 4 km/sec. The event is associated with relative quiet time ionospheric convection and occurs during an interval of northward IMF. It is, however, associated with a large fluctuation in both the Z and Y components of the IMF and with a large sudden decrease in the solar wind number density. The propagation of the system is inconsistent with existing models of FTE current systems, but nevertheless appears to be related to a readjustment of the magnetopause boundary to a sudden change in the solar wind dynamic pressure and/or to a change in reconnection brought about by a sudden reorientation of the IMF. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1988

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Ionosphere, Plasma convection, Ionosphere, Solar radiation and cosmic ray effects
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
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Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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