Articles | Volume 36, issue 5
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1183-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1183-2018
© Author(s) 2018. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
the Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License.
Regular paper
| 
10 Sep 2018
Regular paper |
| 10 Sep 2018
| 10 Sep 2018
Fast plasma sheet flows and X line motion in the Earth's magnetotail: results from a global hybrid-Vlasov simulation
Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Sanni Hoilijoki
Laboratory for Atmospheric and Space Physics, University of Colorado Boulder, Boulder,
Colorado, USA
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Yann Pfau-Kempf
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Urs Ganse
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Riku Jarvinen
Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
Department of Electronics and Nanoengineering, School of Electrical Engineering, Aalto University, Espoo, Finland
Markus Battarbee
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Emilia Kilpua
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Lucile Turc
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Minna Palmroth
Department of Physics, University of Helsinki, Helsinki, Finland
Finnish Meteorological Institute, Helsinki, Finland
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Mirjam Kellinsalmi, Ari Viljanen, Liisa Juusola, and Sebastian Käki
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reset time, about 2 min. We conclude that this result gives insight on the current systems high in Earth’s atmosphere, which are the main driver behind the time derivative’s behavior and GIC formation.
Sebastian Käki, Ari Viljanen, Liisa Juusola, and Kirsti Kauristie
Ann. Geophys., 40, 107–119, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-40-107-2022, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-40-107-2022, 2022
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Vertti Tarvus, Lucile Turc, Markus Battarbee, Jonas Suni, Xóchitl Blanco-Cano, Urs Ganse, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Markku Alho, Maxime Dubart, Maxime Grandin, Andreas Johlander, Konstantinos Papadakis, and Minna Palmroth
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Andrei Runov, Maxime Grandin, Minna Palmroth, Markus Battarbee, Urs Ganse, Heli Hietala, Sanni Hoilijoki, Emilia Kilpua, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Sergio Toledo-Redondo, Lucile Turc, and Drew Turner
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Ann. Geophys., 39, 189–237, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-189-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-189-2021, 2021
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This is a review paper that summarises the current understanding of the lower thermosphere–ionosphere (LTI) in terms of measurements and modelling. The LTI is the transition region between space and the atmosphere and as such of tremendous importance to both the domains of space and atmosphere. The paper also serves as the background for European Space Agency Earth Explorer 10 candidate mission Daedalus.
Markus Battarbee, Thiago Brito, Markku Alho, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Maxime Grandin, Urs Ganse, Konstantinos Papadakis, Andreas Johlander, Lucile Turc, Maxime Dubart, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 39, 85–103, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-85-2021, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-39-85-2021, 2021
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We investigate local acceleration dynamics of electrons with a new numerical simulation method, which is an extension of a world-leading kinetic plasma simulation. We describe how large supercomputer simulations can be used to initialize the electron simulations and show numerical stability for the electron method. We show that features of our simulated electrons match observations from Earth's magnetic tail region.
Maxime Dubart, Urs Ganse, Adnane Osmane, Andreas Johlander, Markus Battarbee, Maxime Grandin, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Lucile Turc, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 38, 1283–1298, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-1283-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-1283-2020, 2020
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Plasma waves are ubiquitous in the Earth's magnetosphere. They are responsible for many energetic processes happening in Earth's atmosphere, such as auroras. In order to understand these processes, thorough investigations of these waves are needed. We use a state-of-the-art numerical model to do so. Here we investigate the impact of different spatial resolutions in the model on these waves in order to improve in the future the model without wasting computational resources.
Markus Battarbee, Xóchitl Blanco-Cano, Lucile Turc, Primož Kajdič, Andreas Johlander, Vertti Tarvus, Stephen Fuselier, Karlheinz Trattner, Markku Alho, Thiago Brito, Urs Ganse, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Mojtaba Akhavan-Tafti, Tomas Karlsson, Savvas Raptis, Maxime Dubart, Maxime Grandin, Jonas Suni, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 38, 1081–1099, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-1081-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-1081-2020, 2020
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We investigate the dynamics of helium in the foreshock, a part of near-Earth space found upstream of the Earth's bow shock. We show how the second most common ion in interplanetary space reacts strongly to plasma waves found in the foreshock. Spacecraft observations and supercomputer simulations both give us a new understanding of the foreshock edge and how to interpret future observations.
Lucile Turc, Vertti Tarvus, Andrew P. Dimmock, Markus Battarbee, Urs Ganse, Andreas Johlander, Maxime Grandin, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Maxime Dubart, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 38, 1045–1062, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-1045-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-1045-2020, 2020
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Using global computer simulations, we study properties of the magnetosheath, the region of near-Earth space where the stream of particles originating from the Sun, the solar wind, is slowed down and deflected around the Earth's magnetic field. One of our main findings is that even for idealised solar wind conditions as used in our model, the magnetosheath density shows large-scale spatial and temporal variation in the so-called quasi-parallel magnetosheath, causing varying levels of asymmetry.
Emilia K. J. Kilpua, Dominique Fontaine, Simon W. Good, Matti Ala-Lahti, Adnane Osmane, Erika Palmerio, Emiliya Yordanova, Clement Moissard, Lina Z. Hadid, and Miho Janvier
Ann. Geophys., 38, 999–1017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-999-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-999-2020, 2020
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Rapid variations of the magnetic field measured on the ground can be used to estimate space weather risks to power grids, but forecasting the variations remains a challenge. We show that part of this problem stems from the fact that, in addition to electric currents in space, the magnetic field variations are strongly affected by underground electric currents. We suggest that separating the measured field into its space and underground parts could improve our understanding of space weather.
Harriet George, Emilia Kilpua, Adnane Osmane, Timo Asikainen, Milla M. H. Kalliokoski, Craig J. Rodger, Stepan Dubyagin, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 38, 931–951, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-931-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-931-2020, 2020
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We compared trapped outer radiation belt electron fluxes to high-latitude precipitating electron fluxes during two interplanetary coronal mass ejections (ICMEs) with opposite magnetic cloud rotation. The electron response had many similarities and differences between the two events, indicating that different acceleration mechanisms acted. Van Allen Probe data were used for trapped electron flux measurements, and Polar Operational Environmental Satellites were used for precipitating flux data.
Milla M. H. Kalliokoski, Emilia K. J. Kilpua, Adnane Osmane, Drew L. Turner, Allison N. Jaynes, Lucile Turc, Harriet George, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 38, 683–701, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-683-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-683-2020, 2020
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We present a comprehensive statistical study of the response of the Earth's space environment in sheath regions prior to interplanetary coronal mass ejections. The inner magnetospheric wave activity is enhanced in sheath regions, and the sheaths cause significant changes to the outer radiation belt electron fluxes over short timescales. We also show that non-geoeffective sheaths can result in a significant response.
Markus Battarbee, Urs Ganse, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Lucile Turc, Thiago Brito, Maxime Grandin, Tuomas Koskela, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 38, 625–643, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-625-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-625-2020, 2020
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The structure and medium-scale dynamics of Earth's bow shock and how charged solar wind particles are reflected by it are studied in order to better understand space weather effects. We use advanced supercomputer simulations to model the shock and reflected ions. We find that the thickness of the shock depends on solar wind conditions but also has small-scale variations. Charged particle reflection is shown to be non-localized. Magnetic fields are important for ion reflection.
Theodoros E. Sarris, Elsayed R. Talaat, Minna Palmroth, Iannis Dandouras, Errico Armandillo, Guram Kervalishvili, Stephan Buchert, Stylianos Tourgaidis, David M. Malaspina, Allison N. Jaynes, Nikolaos Paschalidis, John Sample, Jasper Halekas, Eelco Doornbos, Vaios Lappas, Therese Moretto Jørgensen, Claudia Stolle, Mark Clilverd, Qian Wu, Ingmar Sandberg, Panagiotis Pirnaris, and Anita Aikio
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 9, 153–191, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-153-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-9-153-2020, 2020
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Daedalus aims to measure the largely unexplored area between Eart's atmosphere and space, the Earth's
ignorosphere. Here, intriguing and complex processes govern the deposition and transport of energy. The aim is to quantify this energy by measuring effects caused by electrodynamic processes in this region. The concept is based on a mother satellite that carries a suite of instruments, along with smaller satellites carrying a subset of instruments that are released into the atmosphere.
Emilia Kilpua, Liisa Juusola, Maxime Grandin, Antti Kero, Stepan Dubyagin, Noora Partamies, Adnane Osmane, Harriet George, Milla Kalliokoski, Tero Raita, Timo Asikainen, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 38, 557–574, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-557-2020, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-38-557-2020, 2020
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Coronal mass ejection sheaths and ejecta are key drivers of significant space weather storms, and they cause dramatic changes in radiation belt electron fluxes. Differences in precipitation of high-energy electrons from the belts to the upper atmosphere are thus expected. We investigate here differences in sheath- and ejecta-induced precipitation using the Finnish riometer (relative ionospheric opacity meter) chain.
Maxime Grandin, Markus Battarbee, Adnane Osmane, Urs Ganse, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Lucile Turc, Thiago Brito, Tuomas Koskela, Maxime Dubart, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 37, 791–806, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-791-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-791-2019, 2019
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When the terrestrial magnetic field is disturbed, particles from the near-Earth space can precipitate into the upper atmosphere. This work presents, for the first time, numerical simulations of proton precipitation in the energy range associated with the production of aurora (∼1–30 keV) using a global kinetic model of the near-Earth space: Vlasiator. We find that nightside proton precipitation can be regulated by the transition region between stretched and dipolar geomagnetic field lines.
Antti Lakka, Tuija I. Pulkkinen, Andrew P. Dimmock, Emilia Kilpua, Matti Ala-Lahti, Ilja Honkonen, Minna Palmroth, and Osku Raukunen
Ann. Geophys., 37, 561–579, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-561-2019, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-37-561-2019, 2019
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We study how the Earth's space environment responds to two different amplitude interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) events that occurred in 2012 and 2014 by using the GUMICS-4 global MHD model. We examine local and large-scale dynamics of the Earth's space environment and compare simulation results to in situ data. It is shown that during moderate driving simulation agrees well with the measurements; however, GMHD results should be interpreted cautiously during strong driving.
Minna Palmroth, Heli Hietala, Ferdinand Plaschke, Martin Archer, Tomas Karlsson, Xóchitl Blanco-Cano, David Sibeck, Primož Kajdič, Urs Ganse, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Markus Battarbee, and Lucile Turc
Ann. Geophys., 36, 1171–1182, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1171-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1171-2018, 2018
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Magnetosheath jets are high-velocity plasma structures that are commonly observed within the Earth's magnetosheath. Previously, they have mainly been investigated with spacecraft observations, which do not allow us to infer their spatial sizes, temporal evolution, or origin. This paper shows for the first time their dimensions, evolution, and origins within a simulation whose dimensions are directly comparable to the Earth's magnetosphere. The results are compared to previous observations.
Xochitl Blanco-Cano, Markus Battarbee, Lucile Turc, Andrew P. Dimmock, Emilia K. J. Kilpua, Sanni Hoilijoki, Urs Ganse, David G. Sibeck, Paul A. Cassak, Robert C. Fear, Riku Jarvinen, Liisa Juusola, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Rami Vainio, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 36, 1081–1097, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1081-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1081-2018, 2018
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We use the Vlasiator code to study the characteristics of transient structures that exist in the Earth's foreshock, i.e. upstream of the bow shock. The structures are cavitons and spontaneous hot flow anomalies (SHFAs). These transients can interact with the bow shock. We study the changes the shock suffers via this interaction. We also investigate ion distributions associated with the cavitons and SHFAs. A very important result is that the arrival of multiple SHFAs results in shock erosion.
Liisa Juusola, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Urs Ganse, Markus Battarbee, Thiago Brito, Maxime Grandin, Lucile Turc, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 36, 1027–1035, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1027-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-1027-2018, 2018
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The Earth's magnetic field is shaped by the solar wind. On the dayside the field is compressed and on the nightside it is stretched as a long tail. The tail has been observed to occasionally undergo flapping motions, but the origin of these motions is not understood. We study the flapping using a numerical simulation of the near-Earth space. We present a possible explanation for how the flapping could be initiated by a passing disturbance and then maintained as a standing wave.
Matti M. Ala-Lahti, Emilia K. J. Kilpua, Andrew P. Dimmock, Adnane Osmane, Tuija Pulkkinen, and Jan Souček
Ann. Geophys., 36, 793–808, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-793-2018, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-36-793-2018, 2018
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We present a comprehensive statistical analysis of mirror mode waves and the properties of their plasma surroundings in sheath regions driven by interplanetary coronal mass ejection (ICME) to deepen our understanding of these geo-effective plasma environments. The results imply that mirror modes are common structures in ICME sheaths and occur almost exclusively as dip-like structures and in mirror stable stable plasma.
Minna Palmroth, Sanni Hoilijoki, Liisa Juusola, Tuija I. Pulkkinen, Heli Hietala, Yann Pfau-Kempf, Urs Ganse, Sebastian von Alfthan, Rami Vainio, and Michael Hesse
Ann. Geophys., 35, 1269–1274, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1269-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1269-2017, 2017
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Much like solar flares, substorms occurring within the Earth's magnetic domain are explosive events that cause vivid auroral displays. A decades-long debate exists to explain the substorm onset. We devise a simulation encompassing the entire near-Earth space and demonstrate that detailed modelling of magnetic reconnection explains the central substorm observations. Our results help to understand the unpredictable substorm process, which will significantly improve space weather forecasts.
Noora Partamies, James M. Weygand, and Liisa Juusola
Ann. Geophys., 35, 1069–1083, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1069-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-1069-2017, 2017
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Large-scale undulations of the diffuse aurora boundary, auroral omega bands, have been studied based on 438 omega-like structures identified over Fennoscandian Lapland from 1996 to 2007. The omegas mainly occurred in the post-magnetic midnight sector, in the region between oppositely directed ionospheric field-aligned currents, and during substorm recovery phases. The omega bands were observed during substorms, which were more intense than the average substorm in the same region.
Antti Lakka, Tuija I. Pulkkinen, Andrew P. Dimmock, Adnane Osmane, Ilja Honkonen, Minna Palmroth, and Pekka Janhunen
Ann. Geophys., 35, 907–922, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-907-2017, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-35-907-2017, 2017
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We studied the impact on global MHD simulations from different simulation initialisation methods. While the global MHD code used is GUMICS-4 we conclude that the results might be generalisable to other codes as well. It is found that different initialisation methods affect the dynamics of the Earth's space environment by creating differences in momentum transport several hours afterwards. These differences may even grow as a response to rapid solar wind condition changes.
Yann Pfau-Kempf, Heli Hietala, Steve E. Milan, Liisa Juusola, Sanni Hoilijoki, Urs Ganse, Sebastian von Alfthan, and Minna Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 34, 943–959, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-943-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-943-2016, 2016
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We have simulated the interaction of the solar wind – the charged particles and magnetic fields emitted by the Sun into space – with the magnetic field of the Earth. The solar wind flows supersonically and creates a shock when it encounters the obstacle formed by the geomagnetic field. We have identified a new chain of events which causes phenomena in the downstream region to eventually cause perturbations at the shock and even upstream. This is confirmed by ground and satellite observations.
Johannes Norberg, Lassi Roininen, Antti Kero, Tero Raita, Thomas Ulich, Markku Markkanen, Liisa Juusola, and Kirsti Kauristie
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 263–270, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-263-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-263-2016, 2016
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The Sodankylä Geophysical Observatory has been producing ionospheric tomography data since 2003. Based on these data, one solar cycle of ionospheric vertical total electron content (VTEC) estimates is constructed. The measurements are compared against the IRI-2012 model, F10.7 solar flux index and sunspot number data. Qualitatively the tomographic VTEC estimate corresponds to reference data very well, but the IRI-2012 model are on average 40 % higher of that of the tomographic results.
Kirsti Kauristie, Minna Myllys, Noora Partamies, Ari Viljanen, Pyry Peitso, Liisa Juusola, Shabana Ahmadzai, Vikramjit Singh, Ralf Keil, Unai Martinez, Alexej Luginin, Alexi Glover, Vicente Navarro, and Tero Raita
Geosci. Instrum. Method. Data Syst., 5, 253–262, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-253-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/gi-5-253-2016, 2016
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We use the connection between auroras and geomagnetic field variations in a concept for a Regional Auroral Forecast (RAF) service. RAF is based on statistical relationships between alerts by the NOAA Space Weather Prediction Center and magnetic time derivatives measured by five MIRACLE magnetometer stations located in the surroundings of the Sodankylä research station. As an improvement to previous similar services RAF yields knowledge on typical auroral storm durations at different latitudes.
Erika Palmerio, Emilia K. J. Kilpua, and Neel P. Savani
Ann. Geophys., 34, 313–322, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-313-2016, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-34-313-2016, 2016
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Coronal Mass Ejections (CMEs) are giant clouds of plasma and magnetic field that erupt from the Sun and travel though the solar wind. They can cause interplanetary shocks in the vicinity of Earth. We show in our paper that the region that follows CME-driven shocks, known as sheath region, can obtain a planar configuration of the magnetic field lines (planar magnetic structure, PMS) due to the compression resulting from the shock itself or from the draping of the magnetic field ahead of the CME.
M. Myllys, E. Kilpua, and T. Pulkkinen
Ann. Geophys., 33, 845–855, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-845-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-845-2015, 2015
M. Myllys, N. Partamies, and L. Juusola
Ann. Geophys., 33, 573–581, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-573-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-573-2015, 2015
P. T. Verronen, M. E. Andersson, A. Kero, C.-F. Enell, J. M. Wissing, E. R. Talaat, K. Kauristie, M. Palmroth, T. E. Sarris, and E. Armandillo
Ann. Geophys., 33, 381–394, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-381-2015, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-33-381-2015, 2015
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Electron concentrations observed by EISCAT radars can be reasonable well represented using AIMOS v1.2 satellite-data-based ionization model and SIC D-region ion chemistry model. SIC-EISCAT difference varies from event to event, probably because the statistical nature of AIMOS ionization is not capturing all the spatio-temporal fine structure of electron precipitation. Below 90km, AIMOS overestimates electron ionization because of proton contamination of the satellite electron detectors.
K. Andréeová, L. Juusola, E. K. J. Kilpua, and H. E. J. Koskinen
Ann. Geophys., 32, 1293–1302, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-1293-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-1293-2014, 2014
L. Turc, D. Fontaine, P. Savoini, and E. K. J. Kilpua
Ann. Geophys., 32, 1247–1261, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-1247-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-1247-2014, 2014
L. Turc, D. Fontaine, P. Savoini, and E. K. J. Kilpua
Ann. Geophys., 32, 157–173, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-157-2014, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-32-157-2014, 2014
D. Pokhotelov, S. von Alfthan, Y. Kempf, R. Vainio, H. E. J. Koskinen, and M. Palmroth
Ann. Geophys., 31, 2207–2212, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-2207-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-2207-2013, 2013
E. K. J. Kilpua, H. Hietala, H. E. J. Koskinen, D. Fontaine, and L. Turc
Ann. Geophys., 31, 1559–1567, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1559-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1559-2013, 2013
E. K. J. Kilpua, A. Isavnin, A. Vourlidas, H. E. J. Koskinen, and L. Rodriguez
Ann. Geophys., 31, 1251–1265, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1251-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1251-2013, 2013
A. T. Aikio, T. Pitkänen, I. Honkonen, M. Palmroth, and O. Amm
Ann. Geophys., 31, 1021–1034, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1021-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1021-2013, 2013
L. Turc, D. Fontaine, P. Savoini, H. Hietala, and E. K. J. Kilpua
Ann. Geophys., 31, 1011–1019, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1011-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-1011-2013, 2013
K. Andreeova, E. K. J. Kilpua, H. Hietala, H. E. J. Koskinen, A. Isavnin, and R. Vainio
Ann. Geophys., 31, 555–562, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-555-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-555-2013, 2013
N. Partamies, L. Juusola, E. Tanskanen, and K. Kauristie
Ann. Geophys., 31, 349–358, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-349-2013, https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-31-349-2013, 2013
Short summary
The solar wind interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, forming a magnetosphere. On the night side solar wind stretches the magnetosphere into a long tail. A process called magnetic reconnection opens the magnetic field lines and reconnects them, accelerating particles to high energies. We study this in the magnetotail using a numerical simulation model of the Earth’s magnetosphere. We study the motion of the points where field lines reconnect and the fast flows driven by this process.
The solar wind interacts with the Earth’s magnetic field, forming a magnetosphere. On the...
