Physics Space and Plasma Seminar - Katherine Davidson, Boston University
Title: "Observing high-resolution ionospheric flows and their impact on magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling sequences"
Abstract: Plasma transport in the magnetosphere can be observed as narrow flow channels in the high-latitude ionosphere. These meso-scale features, typically a few hundred km in width, have recently been shown to play an important role on magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling sequences. Observations show that flow bursts often precede poleward boundary intensifications (PBIs), while flow channels can trigger substorm onset and contribute to the expansion phase. Previous studies, however, have been limited in scope due to the lack of high-resolution specification of ionospheric flow channels. Applying the Spherical Elementary Current Systems (SECS) method to SuperDARN HF radar data, ionospheric flow structures up to 0.5 x 1.5 degrees in latitude and longitude can be resolved, allowing for the investigation of meso-scale flow channels. By combining SECS-derived flows with All Sky Imager observations, we investigate how ionospheric flow channels influence PBIs and substorm sequences. Our results indicate that flow channels can strongly impact the location, spatial extent, and duration of auroral phenomena, highlighting their importance in magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling processes.
Hosted by Kristina Lynch
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