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ABSTRACT
We propose a quasi-steady
nonlinear circuit model for the solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere (SW-M-I)
coupling to study the observed saturation of polar cap potential. The
oval conductance is shown to be a nonlinear circuit element since it
increases with increasing dayside reconnection E field driving the proposed
circuit. Oval conductance is produced by precipitating particles energized
by enhanced sunward convection in the plasma sheet driven by reconnection
at the dayside magnetopause and in the plasma sheet. The asymptotic saturation
potential is shown to increase with (1) decreasing internal resistance
of the dynamo region, (2) increasing length of dayside reconnection line,
(3) increasing ratio of nightside to dayside reconnection potentials,
and (4) increasing ratio of nightside to dayside internal resistances. |
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