The Cluster spacecraft have been used to investigate auroral electric fields and field-aligned currents (FACs) at geocentric distances between 4 and 7 Re. The electric fields have been measured by the EFW instrument, consisting of two pairs of spherical probes, and the FACs have been calculated from measurements of the magnetic field by the FGM fluxgate magnetometer. CIS ion and PEACE electron measurements have also been used. Event studies as well as statistical studies have been used to determine the characteristics of the auroral electric fields. In two events where regions of both spatial and temporal electric field variations could be identified, the quasi-static electric fields were, compared to the Alfvén waves, found to be more intense and contribute more to the downward Poynting flux. With the use of the four Cluster spacecraft, the quasi-static electric field structures were found to be relatively stable on the time scale of at least half a minute. Quasi-static electric fields were found throughout the altitude range covered by Cluster in the auroral region. The electric field structures were found both in the upward and downward current regions. Bipolar and monopolar electric fields, corresponding to U- and S-shaped potential structures, have been found at different plasma boundaries, consistent with the view that the plasma conditions and the geometry of the current system are related to the shape of the electric field. The type of the bipolar electric field structures (convergent or divergent) was further found to be consistent with the FAC direction. The typical scale sizes of the electric field structures have been determined to be between 4 and 5 km, when mapped to ionospheric altitude. The most intense FACs associated with intense electric fields were found for small FAC widths. The widths of upward and downward FACs were similar. / QC 20100730

In this thesis, several aspects of HF coherent backscatter from the high-latitude E and F regions are studied with the focus on the relationship between the echo characteristics and the parameters of the ionosphere. The Hankasalmi CUTLASS/SuperDARN radar is the primary instrument for the undertaken studies. <p> The starting point in the research is that coherent echo characteristics are affected by two factors: the plasma physics of magnetic field-aligned irregularity formation and the propagation conditions in that the HF radio waves need to be close to the normal of the Earths magnetic field to detect the irregularities. Since the mechanisms of irregularity production are believed to be different at various heights, observations in the E and F regions are considered separately. <p>For the F-region backscatter, we first investigate the ionospheric conditions necessary for backscatter to be detected at specific latitudes and in specific time sectors. To achieve this goal, two approaches are employed. First, a long-term statistical study of diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle effects on echo occurrence is done to assess the relative importance of changes in plasma instability conditions and radio wave propagation. Next, echo occurrence is studied for an area in which ionospheric parameters are measured by EISCAT and other instruments. Both approaches indicate that F-region echoes occur if the electric field is enhanced (above 5-10 mV/m). We show that, once the electric field is above the threshold, the echo power is only slightly dependent on it. We demonstrate that the strongest echoes are received when the F-region electron density is optimal for the selected range and altitude. This optimal value is found to be about 2x1011 m-3 for the Hankasalmi radar. The role of the conducting E region on irregularity excitation and HF radio wave absorption are discussed. <p>The next problem considered with respect to the F-region echoes is the relationship between the velocity of the F-region echoes and plasma convection. We give additional evidence that the observed HF line-of-sight velocity is the projection of the convection velocity on the radar beam and that the Map Potential technique (currently in use for building the global-scale convection maps) compares well with the local EISCAT convection measurements. <p> With respect to the E-region backscatter, two major features are studied. First, a more detailed (as compared to the standard SuperDARN approach) analysis of the spectra is performed. By employing the Burg spectrum analysis method, we show that the E-region echoes are double-peaked in ~35% of observations. Variations of the peak separation with the range and azimuth of observations are investigated. The occurrence of double-peak echoes is associated with scatter from two different heights within the E region. HF ray tracing indicates that for typical ionospheric conditions, scatter from the top and the bottom of the E region is possible at certain slant ranges. In the upper layer the plasma waves move with the velocity close to the ExB convection component. For the lower layer, the plasma wave velocity is reduced due to enhanced ion and electron collision frequencies. A second issue is how do the velocities of HF and VHF E-region echoes compare for observations along the same direction. We concluded that the velocity of E-region echoes at HF can be comparable to or below the VHF velocity and well below the ExB convection component, implying that the scatter can often come from the bottom of the electrojet layer. Other aspects of VHF velocities are also discussed.

In this thesis, several aspects of HF coherent backscatter from the high-latitude E and F regions are studied with the focus on the relationship between the echo characteristics and the parameters of the ionosphere. The Hankasalmi CUTLASS/SuperDARN radar is the primary instrument for the undertaken studies. <p> The starting point in the research is that coherent echo characteristics are affected by two factors: the plasma physics of magnetic field-aligned irregularity formation and the propagation conditions in that the HF radio waves need to be close to the normal of the Earths magnetic field to detect the irregularities. Since the mechanisms of irregularity production are believed to be different at various heights, observations in the E and F regions are considered separately. <p>For the F-region backscatter, we first investigate the ionospheric conditions necessary for backscatter to be detected at specific latitudes and in specific time sectors. To achieve this goal, two approaches are employed. First, a long-term statistical study of diurnal, seasonal and solar cycle effects on echo occurrence is done to assess the relative importance of changes in plasma instability conditions and radio wave propagation. Next, echo occurrence is studied for an area in which ionospheric parameters are measured by EISCAT and other instruments. Both approaches indicate that F-region echoes occur if the electric field is enhanced (above 5-10 mV/m). We show that, once the electric field is above the threshold, the echo power is only slightly dependent on it. We demonstrate that the strongest echoes are received when the F-region electron density is optimal for the selected range and altitude. This optimal value is found to be about 2x1011 m-3 for the Hankasalmi radar. The role of the conducting E region on irregularity excitation and HF radio wave absorption are discussed. <p>The next problem considered with respect to the F-region echoes is the relationship between the velocity of the F-region echoes and plasma convection. We give additional evidence that the observed HF line-of-sight velocity is the projection of the convection velocity on the radar beam and that the Map Potential technique (currently in use for building the global-scale convection maps) compares well with the local EISCAT convection measurements. <p> With respect to the E-region backscatter, two major features are studied. First, a more detailed (as compared to the standard SuperDARN approach) analysis of the spectra is performed. By employing the Burg spectrum analysis method, we show that the E-region echoes are double-peaked in ~35% of observations. Variations of the peak separation with the range and azimuth of observations are investigated. The occurrence of double-peak echoes is associated with scatter from two different heights within the E region. HF ray tracing indicates that for typical ionospheric conditions, scatter from the top and the bottom of the E region is possible at certain slant ranges. In the upper layer the plasma waves move with the velocity close to the ExB convection component. For the lower layer, the plasma wave velocity is reduced due to enhanced ion and electron collision frequencies. A second issue is how do the velocities of HF and VHF E-region echoes compare for observations along the same direction. We concluded that the velocity of E-region echoes at HF can be comparable to or below the VHF velocity and well below the ExB convection component, implying that the scatter can often come from the bottom of the electrojet layer. Other aspects of VHF velocities are also discussed.

Thesis (Ph.D.)--University of Texas at Dallas, 2008. / Includes vita. Includes bibliographical references (leaves 76-82)

Abstract The general aim of the present study is to gain insight into physical mechanisms of some auroral forms on the basis of multi-instrumental measurements (satellites, rockets and ground-based magnetic and riometer instruments) in the vicinity of the auroras observed by ground-based all-sky cameras. One part of this work is related to the Auroral Turbulence II sounding rocket experiment. It was launched on February 11th, 1997, at 08:36 UT from Poker Flat Research Range, Alaska, into a moderately active auroral region after a substorm onset. This unique three-payload rocket experiment contained both electric and magnetic in the evening sector (21 MLT), auroral forms at the substorm recovery were investigated, providing details of the quiet and disturbed auroral densities and DC electric patches propagating along them like a luminosity wave. Those evening auroral patches and associated electric fields formed a 200-km spatially-periodic structure along the arc, which propagated westward at a velocity of 3 km s-1. The other part of this study describes ground signatures of dynamic substorm features observed by the IRIS imaging riometer, magnetometers and all-sky camera during late evening hours. The magnetometer data were consistent with the motion of upward data are used to estimate the intensity of FAC associated with these local current-carrying the excitation of the low-frequency turbulence in the upper ionosphere. As a result, a quasi-oscillating regime of anomalous resistivity on the auroral field lines can give rise to the burst-like electron acceleration responsible for simultaneously observed auroral forms and bursts of Pi1B pulsations.

Aurorae often break down into elongated filaments parallel to the geomagnetic field lines (B) with cylindrically symmetric structures. The object of this thesis is to study the ion distribution function and transport properties in response to the sudden introduction of a radial electric field (E) in such a cylindrical geometry. Both collision-free and collisional situations are considered.<p> The thesis starts by solving a collision-free problem where the electric field is constant in time but increases linearly with radius, while the initial ion density is uniform in space. The attendant Boltzmann equation is solved by tracking the ions back in time, thereby using the temporal link between the initial position and velocity of an ion and its position and velocity at an arbitrary time and place. Complete analytical solutions show that the ion distribution function is a pulsating Maxwellian in time, and all transport parameters (e.g., bulk speed, temperature, etc.) oscillate in time but independent of radius. If the ion-neutral collisions are taken into account by employing a simple relaxation model, analytical solutions are also obtained. In this case, the ion distribution function can be driven to horseshoe shapes which are symmetric with respect to the ExB direction. The bulk parameters evolve in a transition period of the order of one collision time as they go from oscillating to the non-oscillating steady state.<p> In more realistic electric field structures which are spatially inhomogeneous but still constant in time, a generalized semi-numerical code is developed under collision-free conditions. This code uses a backmapping approach to calculate the ion velocity distribution and bulk parameters. With arbitrarily selected electric field rofiles, calculations reveal various shapes of ion velocity distribution functions (e.g., tear-drop, core-halo, ear-donut, etc). The associated transport properties are also obtained and discussed.<p> Under both collision-free and collisional conditions, the effect of the density inhomogeneities at the initial time is studied in an electric field which is proportional to radius and constant in time. With two profiles of the initial ion density for the collision-free case, and one profile for the collisional case, complete analytical solutions are obtained. The results reveal that the distribution function and the bulk properties are now strongly dependent on radial position.<p> If the radial electric field is unable to stay constant with time but modulated by in-coming charged particles, a fluid formalism is used to study the excitation of several plasma waves under different kinds of initial conditions. These identified waves include the ion cyclotron oscillation, the ion and electron upper-hybrid oscillations, and the lower-hybrid oscillation.<p> The results of this thesis are expected to be applicable to high-resolution observations. Future work should also include the mirror effect and the formation of conics in velocity space. Finally, the velocity distributions obtained in this thesis could trigger various plasma instabilities, and this topic should also be looked at in the future.

Aurorae often break down into elongated filaments parallel to the geomagnetic field lines (B) with cylindrically symmetric structures. The object of this thesis is to study the ion distribution function and transport properties in response to the sudden introduction of a radial electric field (E) in such a cylindrical geometry. Both collision-free and collisional situations are considered.<p> The thesis starts by solving a collision-free problem where the electric field is constant in time but increases linearly with radius, while the initial ion density is uniform in space. The attendant Boltzmann equation is solved by tracking the ions back in time, thereby using the temporal link between the initial position and velocity of an ion and its position and velocity at an arbitrary time and place. Complete analytical solutions show that the ion distribution function is a pulsating Maxwellian in time, and all transport parameters (e.g., bulk speed, temperature, etc.) oscillate in time but independent of radius. If the ion-neutral collisions are taken into account by employing a simple relaxation model, analytical solutions are also obtained. In this case, the ion distribution function can be driven to horseshoe shapes which are symmetric with respect to the ExB direction. The bulk parameters evolve in a transition period of the order of one collision time as they go from oscillating to the non-oscillating steady state.<p> In more realistic electric field structures which are spatially inhomogeneous but still constant in time, a generalized semi-numerical code is developed under collision-free conditions. This code uses a backmapping approach to calculate the ion velocity distribution and bulk parameters. With arbitrarily selected electric field rofiles, calculations reveal various shapes of ion velocity distribution functions (e.g., tear-drop, core-halo, ear-donut, etc). The associated transport properties are also obtained and discussed.<p> Under both collision-free and collisional conditions, the effect of the density inhomogeneities at the initial time is studied in an electric field which is proportional to radius and constant in time. With two profiles of the initial ion density for the collision-free case, and one profile for the collisional case, complete analytical solutions are obtained. The results reveal that the distribution function and the bulk properties are now strongly dependent on radial position.<p> If the radial electric field is unable to stay constant with time but modulated by in-coming charged particles, a fluid formalism is used to study the excitation of several plasma waves under different kinds of initial conditions. These identified waves include the ion cyclotron oscillation, the ion and electron upper-hybrid oscillations, and the lower-hybrid oscillation.<p> The results of this thesis are expected to be applicable to high-resolution observations. Future work should also include the mirror effect and the formation of conics in velocity space. Finally, the velocity distributions obtained in this thesis could trigger various plasma instabilities, and this topic should also be looked at in the future.

QC 20100618

This dissertation focuses on data analyzed from the Auroral Current and Electrodynamics Structure (ACES) sounding rocket mission. ACES consisted of two payloads launched nearly simultaneously in 2009 into a dynamic multiple-arc aurora. The mission was designed to observe the three-dimensional current system of an auroral arc system. To constrain the spatial-temporal ambiguity, the payloads were flown along nearly conjugate magnetic field footpoints, at various altitudes with small temporal separation. The high altitude payload took in situ measurements of the plasma parameters above the current closure region to measure the input signature into the lower ionosphere. The low-altitude payload took similar observations within the current closure region, where perpendicular cross-field currents can flow. A detailed description of the experimental configuration is presented, including operational details of the fields and plasma instruments flown on both payloads. The methods used to process data from the electrostatic particle detectors and the fluxgate magnetometer on both payloads are presented. Data from the all-sky imager details the auroral configuration at the time of launch. In situ data are presented detailing observations of the electric fields, magnetic fields, and the electron differential energy flux, as the payloads crossed nearly conjugate magnetic field lines. Field-aligned currents were calculated from magnetometer observations on the high altitude payload. These data were combined with electron flux data to show that the high altitude payload traversed regions of upward and downward field-aligned current. The low altitude payload observed signatures in the residual magnetic field components consistent with perpendicular closure current. Ionospheric collisionality is investigated to determine if it is a significant mechanism to explain observed differences in the low energy electron flux between the high altitude and low altitude payload. As a result of increased ionospheric collisionality, the ionospheric conductivity is investigated to interpret the in situ electric field observations. A model of auroral electrodynamics, that is under development, is discussed in the context of interpreting magnetometer data from the low altitude payload. The evolution of precipitating electron flux into the ionosphere and the effect this precipitation has on generating ionization is presented. The electron spectrum produced by the model were fit to the electron flux data observed by the low altitude payload. The height ionization profile, equilibrium electron density, and Hall and Pedersen conductivities were determined from the model electron spectrum incident to the ionosphere. It was shown that the low altitude payload flew just above the peak Hall and Pedersen conductivities, suggesting that the low altitude payload flew directly in the region where perpendicular closure currents were most significant.

Abstract The high-latitude polar ionosphere is characterized by two regions, the polar cap and the auroral oval. In the polar cap, the geomagnetic field lines are open and connect to the solar wind, whereas the field lines in the auroral oval are closed and map to the plasma sheet and the plasma sheet boundary layer in the magnetosphere. The two substantially different magnetic and plasma domains are separated by a separatrix, the polar cap boundary (PCB), which is an ionospheric projection of the open-closed field line boundary (OCB) in the magnetosphere. In this thesis, a new method to determine the location of the PCB in the nightside ionosphere based on electron temperature measurements by EISCAT incoherent scatter radars is introduced. Comparisons with other PCB proxies like poleward boundary of the auroral emissions, poleward edge of the auroral electrojets and poleward boundary of energetic particle precipitation show general agreement. By applying the method to several events together with other supporting ground-based and space-borne observations, dynamic processes and phenomena in the vicinity of the PCB and inside the auroral oval are studied. The main results include the following. During substorm expansion, the PCB moves poleward in a burstlike manner with individual bursts separated by 2&#8211;10 min, indicating impulsive reconnection in the magnetotail. In one event, a possible signature of the high-altitude counterpart of the Earthward flowing field-aligned current of the Hall current system at the magnetotail reconnection site is observed. Investigation of the relation between the auroral activity and the local reconnection rate estimated from the EISCAT measurements reveals direct association between individual auroral poleward boundary intensifications (PBIs) and intensifications in the ionospheric reconnection electric field within the same MLT sector. The result confirms earlier suggestions of positive correlation between PBIs and enhanced flux closure in the magnetotail. In another event, quiet-time bursty bulk flows (BBFs) and their ionospheric signatures are studied. The BBFs are found to be consistent with the so called "bubble" model with Earthward fast flows inside the region of depleted plasma density (bubble). The tailward return flows show an interesting asymmetry in plasma density. Whereas the duskside return flows show signatures of a depleted wake, consistent with a recent suggestion, no similar feature is seen for the dawnside return flows, but rather increase in density. The BBFs are associated with auroral streamers in the conjugate ionosphere, consistently with previous findings. The related ionospheric plasma flow patterns are interpreted as ionospheric counterpart of the BBF flows, excluding the dawnside return flows which could not be identified in the ionosphere. The BBFs and streamers are found to appear during an enhanced reconnection electric field in the magnetotail.