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At least 1,459 records · Page 81
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NASA NTRS1981

VLF-emissions associated with ring current electrons - Off-equatorial observations

Simultaneous observations of magnetospheric VLF emissions and the associated enhancement of ring current electrons up to 15 deg geomagnetic latitudes are made by the Explorer 45. Using a 4 deg inclination of orbit with a tilt angle of the earth's magnetic dipole axis of 11 deg, microdensitometer scanning of wideband data indicates that the band of missing emissions in the off-equatorial whistler mode emissions appears at f(H0)/2. Intensities above f(H0)/2 appear very weak in contrast to those of near-equatorial emissions where f(H0) is the equatorial electron gyrofrequency corresponding to the local gyrofrequency at the satellite. Whistler mode waves are reflected from high latitudes to the equator inside the source region, and the intensities of those waves are shown to be insufficient to explain the observed emissions below f(H0)/2 at the equator. Results indicate that the superposition of two types of emissions from the same processes at different locations is not the main mechanism for the formation of the two-band chorus, and the dominant sources of these choruses are located at the + or - 5 deg geomagnetic latitude.

Maeda, K.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Relativistic cosmic rays and corotating interaction regions

The relationships between relativistic galactic cosmic ray intensity variations and corotating interaction regions (CIRs) are examined. Times of CIRs overtaking the earth as indicated by Pioneer 10 and 11 plasma and field observations are compared with nucleonic intensities recorded at the Thule and McMurdo polar stations in a superposed epoch analysis, with the centers of the CIR as zero days. Results indicate a decrease in intensity around the zero days, as well as a maximum around the ninth day and a general upward trend from days -13 to 13. Further examination reveals the observed features to be present only for those CIR- associated streams in which a neutral sheet is embedded. In contrast, superposed epoch analysis of the geomagnetic Ap index with respect to CIR epochs reveals CIRs both with and without neutral sheets to produce geomagnetic storms, although the peak increase in Ap index is greater for neutral-sheet-associated CIRs. Results suggest that the CIRs modulate high-energy particle intensities by means of drifts related to neutral sheets, although diffusion effects cannot yet be ruled out.

Duggal, S. P.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Dependence of polar cap potential drop on interplanetary parameters

The convection potential drop across the polar cap is computed from data obtained on high-inclination low-altitude satellites. Potential measurements are correlated with various combinations of parameters measured simultaneously in the upstream solar wind. Most of the potential drop is successfully predicted by merging theory, although a significant background potential drop of 35 kV does not depend on IMF parameters and is attributed to a process other than merging. Results indicate that small values of the IMF are amplified by a factor of 5-10 at the dayside magnetopause, which, when taken into account, improves correlations between IMF parameters and polar cap potential drop. Potential drop is better correlated with IMF parameters than with geomagnetic indices, due to nonlinear response of the magnetosphere affecting geomagnetic activity indices.

Reiff, P. H.↗
NASA NTRS1980

Disappearance and reappearance of particles of energies 50 keV as seen by P78-2 (SCATHA) near geosynchronous orbit

The nightside particle environment as observed by the AFGL Rapid Scan Particle Detector on SCATHA showing large, sudden simultaneous changes in the fluxes of electrons and protons with energies above 50 keV (dropouts) is considered. An interesting feature of SCATHA dropouts is the quasiperiodic behavior of the particle flux amplitudes which often vary with a period of the order of 15 minutes both during the dropout and after the return. A flux return during eclipse caused a major spacecraft charging event of several kilovolts. The SCATHA observations are compared with those reported for other geosynchronous satellites. In agreement with ATS-5, a marked dependence in the frequency of occurrence due to an effect of the orbit is found. ATS-5 experienced few dropouts during quiet geomagnetic conditions. However, for an L shell greater than seven, SCATHA particle dropouts occur routinely during quiet conditions. Thus, for SCATHA's orbit, both the orbital position and geomagnetic conditions must be taken into account in evaluating the potential hazard of flux returns.

Feynman, J.↗
NASA NTRS1981

Investigation of MAGSAT and TRIAD magnetometer data to provide corrective information on high-latitude external fields

The compilation of a catalog of the MAGSAT-observed high altitude disturbances is discussed and an example of contents and format is given. The graphs allow the investigation of Birkeland current signatures which are superimposed upon the main geomagnetic field. An example of a display of the MAGSAT orbital tracks in a polar geomagnetic coordinate system with the locations, flow directions, and intensities of field aligned currents shown in color is also given. The display was generated using an interactive color graphics terminal.

Potemra, T. A.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Differential spacecraft charging on the geostationary operational environmental satellites

Subsystems aboard the Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellites 4 and 5 showed instances of anomalous changes in state corresponding to false commands. Evidence linking the anomalous changes to geomagnetic activity, and presumably static discharges generated by spacecraft differential charging induced by substorm particle injection events is presented. The anomalies are shown to be correlated with individual substorms as monitored by stations of the North American Magnetometer Chain. The relative frequency of the anomalies is shown to be a function of geomagnetic activity. Finally a least squares fit to the time delay between substorm initiation and spacecraft anomaly as a function of spacecraft local time is shown to be consistent with injected electron populations with energy in the range 10 keV to 15 keV, in agreement with present understanding of the spacecraft charging mechanism. The spacecraft elements responsible for the differential charging were not satisfactorily identified. That question is currently under investigation.

Farthing, W. H.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Proton temperature anisotropy in the polar wind

The steady state flow of a fully ionized H(+)-O(+) electron plasma along geomagnetic field lines in the high-latitude topside ionosphere is studied. The theoretical formulation is based on a 13-moment system of transport equations, and allows for different species temperatures parallel and perpendicular to the geomagnetic field and nonclassical heat flows. For subsonic and supersonic flows, an appreciable H(+) temperature anisotropy occurs at all altitudes above 1500 km, and tends to be regulated at high altitudes. The direction of the temperature anisotropy is related to the direction of the H(+) heat flow to some extent; for supersonic flow an upward flow of heat from the lower ionosphere is required, while for subsonic flow solutions can be obtained with a downward H(+) heat flow. For subsonic flow, H(+)-H(+) collisions have an important effect on the H(+) stress and heat flow balance at all altitudes between 1500 and 12,000 km.

Schunk, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Large scale solar magnetic fields at the site of flares, the greatness of flares, and solar-terrestrial disturbances

Evidence is presented for an intrinsically solar effect which may dominate such solar-terrestrial correlations as that reported by Chertkov (1976), where large H-alpha flares during 1967-1972 in solar active regions with overlying fields on a 100,000 km scale and predominantly north-to-south orientation were more efficient in the production of geomagnetic disturbances than comparable flares in regions whose fields at the flare sites were directed south-to-north. In addition to being responsible for geomagnetic disturbance enhancements, this purely solar effect may cause solar wind velocity and solar flare proton flux enhancements. If the effect can be generalized to other portions of the solar cycle, it could improve present understanding of the flare mechanism and therefore prove useful in the prediction of solar-terrestrial disturbances.

Dodson, H. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The hidden ion population of the magnetosphere

The presence of a cold ion population in the magnetosphere which is normally hidden from particle detector observation by the positive charging of the spacecraft is reported. Ion and electron data were obtained from particle detectors on the ATS 6 and SCATHA satellites designed to measure the 1-eV to 80-keV plasma population. The cold, isotropic ion population, with temperature 1 eV and density 10-100/cu cm, was detected only when the spacecraft were in eclipse, when spacecraft potential had dropped from +10 V in sunlight to +4 to +5 V. The hidden ion population was found at geosynchronous altitude only during geomagnetically quiet times and when there has been an absence of geomagnetic activity for several hours, and appears to coexist with the plasma sheet. More consistent measurements of the cold ion population at midnight or at other local times would require the biasing of the ion detector with respect to the spacecraft, or the controlling of spacecraft potential.

Olsen, R. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Ion temperature variations in the daytime high-latitude F region

The Schunk and Sojka (1981a, b) high latitude ionospheric model is improved through the inclusion of thermal conduction and diffusion terms in the ion energy equation, permitting the study of daytime, high latitude F layer temperature variations in a region poleward of the auroral oval. It is found that ion temperature variation with solar cycle, season and geomagnetic activity closely follows the neutral atomic oxygen variation, and that meridional electric fields of more than 40 mV/m can cause larger ion temperature changes than those due to solar cycle, seasonal or geomagnetic activity variations. In the presence of meridional electric fields, there is an upward flow of heat from the lower ionosphere that also acts to raise ion temperatures at high altitudes. Zonal electric fields affect ion temperature indirectly, through electron density changes.

Schunk, R. W.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Seasonal dependence of the distribution of large-scale plasma depletions in the low-latitude F region

From several years of Atmosphere Explorer data, it is shown that large-scale plasma density depletions (horizontal scale greater than 1000km) in the nocturnal F region occur mainly during the first half of the night. The geomagnetic latitude of these depletions depends on season: at solstice periods the occurrence is mainly in the summer hemisphere and at equinoxes mainly on the geomagnetic equator. Large-scale depletions occur most often at longitudes characterized by a large magnetic declination. The large-scale plasma depletions are interpreted to be a consequence of imposed upward drift which raises the F region above the satellite trajectory. This interpretation is tested by calculating the vertical ion drift velocity imposed by zonal and meridional winds and electrostatic fields, with allowance for the effects of diffusion. The calculations reveal a correspondence between the locations of maxima in the calculated vertical ion drift velocity and the large-scale plasma depletions.

Dachev, T. P.↗
NASA NTRS1982

The MAGSAT project in Australia

The first version of the MAGSAT selection and reduction software was completed as well as a major enhancement to support geomagnetic vector data selection and reduction. All MAGSAT data over an area between 90 E and 180 E and between 0 and 50 S were reduced. This area includes the Australasian region and surrounding oceans. Nearly 200 profiles across Australia satisfied the criteria for data. The reduced geomagnetic field inferred to be caused by sources within the lithosphere was interpreted. During reduction, magnetic effects caused by all other causes were eliminated. Some possible correlation with major tectonic structures and known continental scale heat flow anomalies were noted.

Source record↗
NASA NTRS1982

Jacchia-Lineberry upper atmosphere density model

A series of increasingly accurate models which are a careful blend of empirical and theoretical formulae were developed. The exospheric temperature is assumed to be a function of: (1) the average and daily variations in the solar flux, (2) the average and three hourly variations in the geomagnetic index, (3) the angle between the position vector and the axis of the unsymmetric atmospheric bulge, and (4) the angle between the position vector and the geomagnetic pole. The exospheric temperature is related to the density by the solution of the diffusion equilibrium equations for the different constituents of the atmosphere as a function of altitude. Other variations are modeled directly as changes in the density. They are: (1) changes due to the semiannual effect, and (2) changes due to the seasonal latitudinal effect. The causes for these variations are not exactly known but may be modeled sufficiently by empirical formulae. The Jacchia model is assumed to be valid over the altitude range of 90 to 2500 km. The residuals between the observed density from satellite drag observations and the computed densities show the mean relative error to be generally less than 10 percent with occasional peak errors near 50 percent.

Mueller, A. C.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Japanese MAGSAT team

Construction of a model of the regional magnetic field and investigation of the local magnetic anomalies and their origin were approaches used in attempts to study the crustal structure near Japan and its Antarctic bases. Spatial properties of the regional magnetic field and comparison of the regional model with that derived from MAGSAT data are discussed. Possible causes of the magnetic anomalies, and results of aeromagnetic surveys incorporating gravity and seismic data are explored. Ionospheric and magnetospheric contributions to geomagnetic variations, field-aligned currents, magnetic geomagnetic pulsations, and hydromagnetic waves by analysis of MAGSAT data are also examined.

Fukushima, N.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Multisatellite observations of resonant hydromagnetic waves

Long period geomagnetic pulsations with periods between about 10 and 600 s have been observed by ground magnetometers for over 100 years. Dungey (1954) suggested that these pulsations might be hydromagnetic waves resonating on geomagnetic field lines. One of the most recent techniques employed to examine pulsations and to test pulsation theory has been that of multispacecraft observations. A review is attempted to show how multisatellite observations have been used to provide new insight in the generation mechanisms, propagation characteristics, and resonant properties of magnetospheric pulsations. Some studies show how measurements of the plasma environment both in the vicinity of the waves and elsewhere have enabled tests of resonance theory in ways which were not previously possible with single satellite measurements.

Singer, H. J.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Characteristics of optical emissions and particle precipitation in polar cap arcs

Auroral emission features at high geomagnetic latitudes are identified and characterized using simultaneous optical and particle data from the ISIS-2 satellite. Polar cap arcs are identified from two-dimensional geomagnetic transforms of the optical data along with precipitating electron data for the time at which the satellite is on the field line intersecting the arc. No precipitating protons were detected for any of the arc crossings. The precipitations particle characteristics include: (1) an electron energy spectrum with a peak in the range 350-750 eV superposed on a soft spectrum like that observed in polar rain; (2) a normally isotropic pitch angle dependence, with the exception that field-aligned fluxes are observed in association with an inverted 'v' event; and (3) an energy flux range of approximately 0.8-3 erg/(sq cm s). A possible explanation of the observed precipitating particle characteristics is that parallel electric fields are accelerating polar rain type spectra at an altitude of several thousand km.

Murphree, J. S.↗
NASA NTRS1982

Results from the Magsat mission

The results of analyses of the data gathered by Magsat on the geomagnetic field, crustal magnetic anomalies, fields arising from external current systems, and in investigations of the earth's core, mantle, and core-mantle boundary are presented. A least squares potential function showed that the geomagnetic field was 30,000-50,000 nanoteslas at the Magsat altitude, while fields from external sources were 0-1000 nanoteslas and those from crustal sources 0-50 nanoteslas. Long-wavelength magnetic anomalies were correlated with tectonic features, sometimes reflecting undulations in the Curie isotherm at other times changes in the structure of the lower crust. Detailed anomaly maps from regional data analyses are provided, and possible future spacecraft missions for improving the resolution of contours and strengths of the anomalies are described.

Langel, R. A.↗
NASA NTRS1983

Electromagnetic induction studies

Recent developments in electromagnetic induction studies of the lithosphere and the asthenosphere are reviewed. Attention is given to geoelectrical studies of active tectonic areas in terms of the major zones of crustal extension, the basin and range province along western regions of North America, and the Rio Grande rift. Studies have also been performed of tectonic activity around Iceland, the Salton Trough and Cerro Prieto, and the subduction zones of the Cascade Mountains volcanic belt, where magnetotelluric and geomagnetic variation studies have been done. Geomagnetic variations experiments have been reported in the Central Appalachians, and submarine electromagnetic studies along the Juan de Fuca ridge. Controlled source electromagnetic and dc resistivity investigations have been carried out in Nevada, Hawaii, and in the Adirondacks Mountains. Laboratory examinations on the conductivity of representative materials over a broad range of temperature, pressure, and chemistry are described.

Hermance, J. F.↗