Abstract
Equations governing the large-scale electrodynamic processes in the auroral ionosphere are systematically discussed and the limits to drawing conclusions from incomplete sets of equations are evaluated. The vectors of electic current density,j, and electric field,E, are expressed as explicit functions of the densities, pressures and velocities of the constituents of the ionosphere.
The equation div (σ·E)=0 is an identity satisfied by any solution of the full set of equations governing the problem and cannot be treated as a differential equation forE in which the components of the conductivity tensor are given parameters. The concept of the ‘height-integrated’ conductivities and the conclusions based on it are inconsistent with the equations of momentum balance for the ionospheric constituents.
The global structure of the auroral ionosphere is determined by the state of equilibrium between the pressure gradients, the inertial forces and thej×B-force associated with the auronal electrojets flowing along the auroral oval. The time-averaged, global, electric field is directed across the auroral oval. Its value is substantially affected by the motions of neutral particles. The velocity vector of the neutrals has a substantial component directed across the oval.
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Hruška, A. Basic concepts in the electrodynamics of the auroral ionosphere. Astrophys Space Sci 85, 389–404 (1982). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00653461
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00653461