Abstract

The medium scale stratification theory of upward field-aligned currents predicts some periodicity in the electrostatic potential profile (and subsequently in the field-aligned current profile) that could account for oscillations experimentally observed in the auroral zone, such as successive large-scale acceleration events. The number of these events is determined by a 'scaling' parameter expressed in terms of the large-scale electric field jump across the upward field-aligned current band, the total width of the current band, and the plasma sheet ion temperature. Intercosmos-Bulgaria-1300 satellite electric field measurements were used for validation of the model. It is shown that the theory predictions are in a rather good agreement with the results of experimental observations. © 2003 COSPAR. Published by Elsevier Science Ltd. All rights reserved.