Using the empirical terrestrial magnetospheric magnetic field models of Tsyganenko and Usmanov (1982) and Tsyganenko (1987) the average field-aligned currents (FACs) in the magnetosphere were determined as a function of the Kp index. Three major model FAC systems were identified, namely, the dayside region 1, the nightside region 1, and the nightside polar cap. The models provide information about the sources of the current systems. Mapped ionospheric model FACs are compared with low-altitude measurements obtained by the spacecraft. It is found that low-altitude data can reveal either classic region 1/2 or more highly structured FAC patterns. Therefore, statistical results either obtained from observations or inferred from models are expected to be averages over temporally and spatially shifting patterns.
Comparison of field-aligned currents at ionospheric and magnetospheric altitudes
Advances in Space Research ; 8 , 9-10
1988-01-01
Miscellaneous
No indication
English
Field-aligned currents and ion convection at high altitudes
Elsevier | 1985
|Observations of magnetospheric convection from low altitudes
Elsevier | 1985
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