We use geosynchronous magnetic field observations to discriminate between two models for traveling convection vortices (TCVs) generated by pressure variations applied to the magnetosphere. According to the model of Glassmeier [1992>, an azimuthal gradient in the pressure generates a single field-aligned current into the high-latitude ionosphere and a single TCV. According to the model of Southwood and Kivelson [1990>, an azimuthal gradient in the pressure generates a pair of oppositely directed currents and TCVs. We reexamine two well-documented examples of TCVs and show that their signatures correspond better to the predictions of the Southwood/Kivelson model than to the predictions of the Glassmeier model. ¿ 2000 American Geophysical Union