On basis of comparison of data collected from geomagnetic observatories in the polar regions with solar wind data collected by the IMP 8 satellite, the characteristic patterns for the dynamical interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere have been found for various interplanetary conditions. The interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is a key parameter for the interaction. The variations in the dayside ionospheric currents associated with changes in the IMF BY component often produces recognizable signatures in the ground magnetic variations. These signatures help to identify related space and ground data sets. An important element for the interpretation of the geomagnetic signatures is their dynamical appearance as seen from latitudinally extended chains of stations in the polar cap. The frequent observations of poleward progressing polar convection disturbances during IMF BZ<0 conditions strongly support the concept of an ''open'' magnetosphere during southward directed IMF. ¿ American Geophysical Union 1994