Self‐Regulating Feedback Between Field Line Curvature Scattering, Ring Current Pressure, and Magnetic Configuration

Abstract We incorporate field line curvature (FLC) scattering into a kinetic ring current model two‐way coupled with a global magnetospheric MHD model to investigate its role in SYM‐H prediction and global magnetospheric dynamics. FLC scattering reduces plasma pressure in regions where the ion gyroradius is comparable to the local FLC radius. This pressure reduction weakens magnetic tension, resulting in a more dipolar magnetic field configuration that, in turn, suppresses further FLC scattering. This self‐regulating feedback loop prevents excessive FLC scattering and mitigates the overestimation of ring current decay often found in models using empirical magnetic fields. We demonstrate that incorporating FLC scattering improves agreement with observed SYM‐H throughout the entire storm period. These findings highlight the importance of self‐consistent coupling between plasma dynamics and magnetic field configuration, offering enhanced predictive capability for space weather modeling.

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Publication Details

Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
Published
2025-11-27
DOI
https://doi.org/10.1029/2025gl118346
Primary Topic
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
Type
article
Field-Weighted Citation Impact
0.00

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article

Self‐Regulating Feedback Between Field Line Curvature Scattering, Ring Current Pressure, and Magnetic Configuration

S. B. Kang, N. Buzulukova, Mei‐Ching Fok, Gonzalo Cucho‐Padin et al.
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article

Self‐Regulating Feedback Between Field Line Curvature Scattering, Ring Current Pressure, and Magnetic Configuration

S. B. Kang, N. Buzulukova, Mei‐Ching Fok, Gonzalo Cucho‐Padin, C. Ferradas, A. Glocer
article en

Abstract

Abstract We incorporate field line curvature (FLC) scattering into a kinetic ring current model two‐way coupled with a global magnetospheric MHD model to investigate its role in SYM‐H prediction and global magnetospheric dynamics. FLC scattering reduces plasma pressure in regions where the ion gyroradius is comparable to the local FLC radius. This pressure reduction weakens magnetic tension, resulting in a more dipolar magnetic field configuration that, in turn, suppresses further FLC scattering. This self‐regulating feedback loop prevents excessive FLC scattering and mitigates the overestimation of ring current decay often found in models using empirical magnetic fields. We demonstrate that incorporating FLC scattering improves agreement with observed SYM‐H throughout the entire storm period. These findings highlight the importance of self‐consistent coupling between plasma dynamics and magnetic field configuration, offering enhanced predictive capability for space weather modeling.

Geophysical Research LettersVol. 52(23)
Goddard Space Flight Center (US), University of America (US), University of Maryland, College Park (US)
National Science Foundation
Openalex Percentile: Top 75%
Ionosphere and magnetosphere dynamics
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