Unsolved problems: Mesoscale polar cap flow channels' structure, propagation, and effects on space weather disturbances. Issue 4 (6th April 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Lyons, L. R.; Nishimura, Y.; Zou, Y.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 121:Issue 4(2016:Apr.)
• Page Start: 3347
• Page End: 3352
• Publication Date: 2016-04-06
• Subjects: mesoscale flow -- unsolved problems -- polar cap; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1002/2016JA022437
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: Recent evidence indicates that the magnetosphere‐ionosphere system is frequently driven by dynamic mesoscale flow structures that are first seen near the dayside cusps, move across the open field line regions of the polar caps, and then enter the plasma sheet where they lead to a large variety of space weather disturbances. It will be important to uncover the features of these flow enhancements, including their structure, how they propagate across the polar cap, and what controls their dynamic effects after reaching the nightside plasma sheet. Key Points: Mesoscale polar cap flow enhancements have characteristics and dynamical effects very much different from those of large‐scale convection It is important to uncover the features of these flow enhancements, including their structure, how they propagate across the polar cap It is also important to uncover what controls their critical role in disturbances after the flows enter the nightside plasma sheet