Z. Shi, Z. J. Rong, S. Fatemi, C. F. Dong, Lucy Klinger, J. W. Gao, J. A. Slavin, F. He, Y. Wei, M. Holmström, S. Barabash
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引用次数: 0
Abstract
Previous studies suggested that Mercury's magnetosphere could possess Earth-like field-aligned currents (FACs) despite the absence of an ionosphere. However, due to the limited coverage of spacecraft observations, our understanding of Mercury's FACs is scarce. Here, we employed Amitis, a hybrid-kinetic plasma model, to investigate the establishment and global pattern of Mercury's FACs. The responses of Mercury's FACs to various interior conductivity profiles and different orientations of the upstream interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) were simulated. It has been shown that the profile of a less resistive upper layer and a conducting core favors the establishment of FACs. Three types of large-scale FACs (Region 1-like, Region 2-like and NBZ-like FACs) are shown in simulations. Comparison with previous observations suggests that Mercury's effective conductance for closing R1-like FACs is ∼2.4–3.4 S. The influence of IMF orientation on FACs is similar to that observed in Earth's magnetosphere, but the response of the R2-like FACs to the IMF orientation is different.
期刊介绍：
The Journal of Geophysical Research Planets is dedicated to the publication of new and original research in the broad field of planetary science. Manuscripts concerning planetary geology, geophysics, geochemistry, atmospheres, and dynamics are appropriate for the journal when they increase knowledge about the processes that affect Solar System objects. Manuscripts concerning other planetary systems, exoplanets or Earth are welcome when presented in a comparative planetology perspective. Studies in the field of astrobiology will be considered when they have immediate consequences for the interpretation of planetary data. JGR: Planets does not publish manuscripts that deal with future missions and instrumentation, nor those that are primarily of an engineering interest. Instrument, calibration or data processing papers may be appropriate for the journal, but only when accompanied by scientific analysis and interpretation that increases understanding of the studied object. A manuscript that describes a new method or technique would be acceptable for JGR: Planets if it contained new and relevant scientific results obtained using the method. Review articles are generally not appropriate for JGR: Planets, but they may be considered if they form an integral part of a special issue.
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