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Characteristic E-Region Plasma Signature of Magnetospheric Wave-Particle Interactions
Magnus F Ivarsen1, Yukinaga Miyashita2, Jean-Pierre St-Maurice3
1University of Oslo, Department of Physics, Oslo 0316, Norway.
Physical Review Letters
|April 25, 2025
Summary
Enhanced electrostatic cyclotron harmonic waves in the magnetosphere directly cause plasma turbulence in Earth's ionosphere, impacting space weather understanding.
Area of Science:
- Space Physics
- Atmospheric Science
- Plasma Physics
Background:
- Magnetospheric plasma waves scatter energetic electrons.
- Precipitating electrons influence Earth's diffuse auroras.
- The direct link between magnetospheric wave activity and ionospheric structuring was unclear.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the association between magnetospheric wave activity and ionospheric plasma turbulence.
- To demonstrate the direct structuring of the ionosphere by magnetospheric processes.
Main Methods:
- Conjugate radar and satellite observations were utilized.
- Analysis focused on enhanced electrostatic cyclotron harmonic wave activity.
- Correlation with meter-scale plasma turbulence in the lower ionosphere was examined.
Main Results:
- An unprecedented association was found between enhanced electrostatic cyclotron harmonic waves and ionospheric plasma turbulence.
- Turbulence appeared in the lower ionosphere within seconds of wave activity.
- This structuring occurred on nearby magnetic field lines.
Conclusions:
- Magnetospheric plasma waves directly structure the Earth's ionosphere.
- This finding has significant implications for understanding space weather dynamics.
- The temporal link highlights rapid energy transfer mechanisms.
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