Multi-Method Observations and Modeling of the Three Dimensional Currents Associated with a Very Strong Ps6 Event

摘要

A pulsation event was studied that showed characteristics of the Ps 6 type with a period of about 20 min. Data from a number of magnetometer and riometer measurements over a large area were combined with balloon measurements of the electric field to obtain a detailed description of the ionospheric current system during the event. The pulsations occurred over a period longer than 3 hours and showed large magnetic variations, up to 700 nT. A model of the real three dimensional current flow is derived that agrees with the data. Hall currents are held to be the cause of the magnetic disturbances on the ground.