Abstract A new mechanism for auroral arc formation is presented. The characteristic linear shape of auroral arcs is determined by magnetically connected plasma clouds in the distant equatorial magnetosphere. These clouds originate as high speed plasma beams in the magnetotail and in the solar wind. It is found that the free energy for driving an auroral arc can be provided by the difference of pressure between the cloud and the ambient plasma.


    Access

    Check access

    Check availability in my library

    Order at Subito €


    Export, share and cite



    Title :

    On the formation of auroral arcs


    Contributors:

    Published in:

    Publication date :

    1985-01-01


    Size :

    4 pages




    Type of media :

    Article (Journal)


    Type of material :

    Electronic Resource


    Language :

    English



    Drift Velocity of Auroral Arcs

    Williams, P.J.S. | Online Contents | 1998


    Drift Velocity of Auroral Arcs

    Williams, P. J. S. / Del Pozo, C. / Hiscock, I. et al. | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1998


    Origin and Dynamics of Thin Auroral Arcs

    Haerendel, G. / COSPAR; Scientific Commission D | British Library Conference Proceedings | 1999


    Origin and Dynamics of Thin Auroral Arcs

    Haerendel, G. | Online Contents | 1999


    Satellite, airborne and radar observations of auroral arcs

    Carlson, Herbert C. Jr / Weber, Edward J. / Block, Lars P. et al. | Elsevier | 1989