HR: 11:35h
AN: SA31B-05    [PDF]
TI: Observations of High Latitude Magnetospheric Energy Deposition
AU: * Thayer, J P
EM: thayer@sri.com
AF: SRI International, Center for GeoSpace Studies 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025
AU: Semeter, J
EM: joshua.semeter@sri.com
AF: SRI International, Center for GeoSpace Studies 333 Ravenswood Avenue, Menlo Park, CA 94025
AB: At polar latitudes, the highly variable magnetospheric energy sources, which manifest themselves as Joule and particle energy, complicate the energy balance of the lower thermosphere. The deposition rate of magnetospheric energy can, at active times and in specific altitude regimes, rival the deposition rate of solar VUV energy. The local heating produced by magnetospheric sources leads to a divergent wind circulation and the redistribution of composition over extended regions of the globe. The response of the mesosphere and lower thermosphere/ionosphere (MLTI) region depends not only on the magnitude of the magnetospheric energy source, but also on the altitude and type of energy deposited. Here, we investigate the vertical distribution of Joule and particle energy deposition rates as observed simultaneously with the Sondrestrom incoherent scatter radar. These observed rates will be compared with solar deposition rates determined from SEE observations of the solar VUV flux. The concurrent measurements in time and space of the two magnetospheric energy sources will also be used to investigate whether Joule energy and particle energy occur concurrently or illustrate any mutual dependence.
DE: 0358 Thermosphere--energy deposition
DE: 2407 Auroral ionosphere (2704)
DE: 2431 Ionosphere/magnetosphere interactions (2736)
SC: SPA - Aeronomy [SA]
MN: 2003 Fall Meeting