Relation between optical emissions, particles, electric fields, and Alfvenwaves in a multiple rayed arc

Citation
Tj. Hallinan et al., Relation between optical emissions, particles, electric fields, and Alfvenwaves in a multiple rayed arc, J GEO R-S P, 106(A8), 2001, pp. 15445-15454
Citations number
11
Categorie Soggetti
Space Sciences
Journal title
JOURNAL OF GEOPHYSICAL RESEARCH-SPACE PHYSICS
ISSN journal
21699380 → ACNP
Volume
106
Issue
A8
Year of publication
2001
Pages
15445 - 15454
Database
ISI
SICI code
0148-0227(20010801)106:A8<15445:RBOEPE>2.0.ZU;2-T
Abstract
Velocities of rays in auroral arcs were used to infer the perpendicular ele ctric fields above the acceleration region. Using rocket measurements of el ectron energy as a proxy for the high-altitude potential, the high-altitude perpendicular electric fields were calculated and found to be in good agre ement with those derived from the ray motions. Additionally, a 0.6 Hz oscil lating electric field at high altitude was postulated on the basis of the p assing rays. Such a field was also calculated from the electron energy meas urements and was found to be closely related to an Alfven wave measured on the payload following a delay of 0.8 s. The measured electron energy flux a greed well with the auroral luminosity down to scale sizes of about 10 km. The combination of ground-based imaging acid the measured energy flux also allowed a determination of the lower border altitude of the arcs. They were found to be somewhat higher (130 km) than expected on the basis of the ele ctron energy. A tall rayed are with a lower border height of 170 km was ass ociated with a burst of suprathermal electrons on the poleward edge of the aurora.