Ionospheric joule heating during magnetic storms: MHD simulations Original Research Article

In this paper we will examine ionospheric Joule heating during magnetic storms using global MHD simulations of the interaction of the solar wind with the magnetosphere. The MHD simulations use solar wind data as a boundary condition, so that we are able to model actual events. Among the events that we have modeled are the November 1998 and January 1997 storms. We will begin by comparing the MHD dissipation rates with those estimated from AE in order to benchmark the simulation. We will then discuss the relationship between the energy dissipated in the ionosphere through Joule heating and the input from the solar wind. We will also investigate the time scale for energy dissipation in order to specify the direct-driving time scales for these events.