RCM modeling of bubble injections into the inner magnetosphere: geosynchronous orbit and the ionospheric responses

Sadeghzadeh，Sina1,2; Yang，Jian1; Toffoletto，Frank2; Wolf，Richard2; Mousavi，Ameneh1; Wang，Chih Ping3

2023

10.3389/fspas.2023.1189298

Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences   Impact Factor & Quartile

2296-987X

2296-987X

Introduction: Accurate characterization of the plasma sheet source population in the ring current region and its outer boundary at geosynchronous orbit is crucial for understanding the dynamics of the Earth’s magnetosphere. The interaction between the ring current and plasma populations from the ionosphere is a focus of extensive research. Methods: We used the Rice Convection Model (RCM) to simulate the transient meso-scale injections of fast flows or plasma sheet bubbles from the outer boundary into the inner magnetosphere and the associated impacts on the ionosphere. We compared our simulation results of the average properties of bulk plasma access to geosynchronous orbit to a number of empirical models. We also examined the role of plasma sheet bubbles in forming field-aligned currents (FACs). Results: Our modeling results show that impulsive plasma sheet injections dramatically alter the average distribution of FACs in the ionosphere. We found both quantitative and qualitative agreements and disagreements when comparing our simulation results to empirical models. Furthermore, we demonstrated that several discrete auroral structures can be identified in the nightside ionosphere in accordance with theupward FACs. Discussion: The significance of plasma sheet bubbles in modifying the averageplasma properties at geosynchronous orbit and FACs in the ionosphere is highlighted by oursimulation findings, offering novel understandings into the dynamics of Earth's magnetosphere,and emphasizing the necessity for further research in this field.

field-aligned currents geostationary orbit (GEO) plasma bubbles plasma sheet rice convection model simulation-computers solar wind-magnetosphere-ionosphere coupling space weather

SCI

English

First ; Corresponding

National Natural Science Foundation of China (NSFC)["41974187","42174197"] ; Stable Support Plan Program of Shenzhen Natural Science Fund["20200925153644003","XDB41000000"] ; NASA HSR[80NSSC18K1226] ; NASA TMS[80NSSC20K1276]

Astronomy & Astrophysics

Astronomy & Astrophysics

WOS:001000698900001

FRONTIERS MEDIA SA

2-s2.0-85161024784

Scopus

1.Department of Earth and Space Sciences,Southern University of Science and Technology,Shenzhen,China
2.Physics and Astronomy Department,Rice University,Houston,United States
3.Department of Atmospheric and Oceanic Sciences,University of California,Los Angeles,United States

Sadeghzadeh，Sina,Yang，Jian,Toffoletto，Frank,et al. RCM modeling of bubble injections into the inner magnetosphere: geosynchronous orbit and the ionospheric responses[J]. Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences,2023,10.

Sadeghzadeh，Sina,Yang，Jian,Toffoletto，Frank,Wolf，Richard,Mousavi，Ameneh,&Wang，Chih Ping.(2023).RCM modeling of bubble injections into the inner magnetosphere: geosynchronous orbit and the ionospheric responses.Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences,10.

Sadeghzadeh，Sina,et al."RCM modeling of bubble injections into the inner magnetosphere: geosynchronous orbit and the ionospheric responses".Frontiers in Astronomy and Space Sciences 10(2023).