A global simulation for the auroral electrojet on Jupiter is presented. The
required sequence of models was computed using JIM (the Jovian Ionospheric
Model), a time-dependent, three-dimensional model for the thermosphere and
ionosphere of Jupiter, and an a priori model for the planet's ionospheric
electric field. We describe the plasma dynamics in the model by considering
ion and electron motions at pressure levels less than 2 mu bar, lying abov
e Jupiter's dynamo region, and including the region of maximum energy depos
ition by auroral particles.
By considering the motions of the neutral species being `dragged' by the el
ectrojet, we quantify the electrodynamic coupling between the neutral therm
osphere and the auroral ionosphere. Two distinct altitude regions evolve in
the model simulations, distinguished by different thermospheric flow patte
rns. Higher-altitude regions are subject to gas dynamic flow, while lower-a
ltitude regions are strongly influenced by electrodynamic flow, associated
with the transfer of momentum from the electrojet to the neutral gas. The e
lectrojet models provide a basis for physical interpretation of current obs
ervational detections of ion motions in the Jovian auroral regions; as well
as a means of optimizing future observations, in order to make similar det
ections.