Mapping transition region flows to the ionosphere in a global hybrid-Vlasov simulation

Abstract

The dynamics of the inner magnetosphere and magnetotail are determined by a number of factors such as magnetic reconnection, plasma instabilities, and large-scale plasma motion. We use the global hybrid-Vlasov simulation Vlasiator to study these dynamics as well as their signatures in the ionosphere. We observe magnetic reconnection, fast flows, and vorticity in the transition region between the Earth's dipolar field and the magnetotail. In our simulation, reconnection is first triggered at the dawn and dusk sides of the magnetotail current sheet. It then spreads across the current sheet. Concurrently, an azimuthally periodic, wave-like density structure develops in the transition region along with fast Earthward flows and enhanced vorticity patterns. The Earthward flows and vorticity induce field-aligned currents, which map onto the ionospheric simulation domain, creating a patchy current distribution. We find that the event is driven by the combination of reconnection-induced fast flows and the ballooning/interchange instability.