Electric and Magnetic Fields in the Ionosphere and Magnetosphere

抄録

Recent observations of electric fields in the ionosphere using various measurement techniques have led to important advances in the understanding of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling. In particular the discovery of evidence for parallel electric fields in the altitude range 2, 000-10, 000km has an important impact on the question of auroral acceleration processes. More detailed mapping of large scale field-aligned current configurations on field lines penetrating the auroral oval are leading to more complete models for the generator processes in the outer magnetosphere which are associated with energy dissipation in the near-earth environment. Recent observations of significant electric fields equatorward of the auroral oval indicate that significant interaction between the magnetosphere and ionosphere takes place outside of the auroral oval. New techniques are presently being developed for more quantitative studies of magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling.