Physics Department Seminar University of Alaska Fairbanks


J O U R N A L    C L U B

 

Ion temperature effects on Alfvenic field aligned currents and electron energization in the terrestrial magnetosphere

 
by
 
Peter Damiano
Geophysical Institute, UAF

 

ABSTRACT

Broadband aurora (also known as Alfvenic aurora) are seen to increase dramatically at substorm onset in conjunction with magnetotail flows. As the name implies, these aurora are characterized by a broadband energized electron spectrum and are generally associated with electron energization in dispersive scale Alfven waves (Alfven waves with perpendicular scales on the order of the electron inertial, ion acoustic and ion gyroradius scale lengths). Here, we present a brief overview of the morphology of the broadband aurora and the characteristics of the associated electron energization. We then discuss, using the results of global hybrid gyrofluid-kinetic electron simulations, how the plasma sheet ion temperature can act to regulate the characteristics of the field-aligned currents and electron precipitation within Alfvenic current systems. Time permitting, an overview of related research directions will also be outlined.



 

Friday, 30 March 2018

Globe Room, Elvey Building

3:45PM