第八届青年地学论坛

Using THEMIS-ASI images, we have recently discovered a new auroral structure called "aurora dripping". There are frequent drippings from higher latitudes toward the equator, with a duration of 10-20 minutes. Magnetospheric observations show increases in particle flux and magnetic field simultaneously. To investigate the possible magnetospheric source of this structure, we simulate the entire process with the Rice Convection Model coupled with an MHD code (RCM-MHD). After the long-lasting low-entropy plasma is supplied from the tailward boundary, frequent drippings and the accompanying oscillations in the near-Earth plasma sheet are reproduced. Our preliminary results suggest that the continuous plasma injection is considered to be possible magnetospheric source of the auroral dripping.

aurora,MHD,magnetosphere dynamics,Periodic structures