Auroral Plasma Physics [Paperback]

1. Introduction.- 1.1 Visible Aurorae.- 1.2 Ionospheric Framework.- 1.3 Magnetospheric Framework.- 1.4 Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling.- 1.5 Large Scale Magnetospheric Flows and Dynamics.- 1.6 An Overview of the Book.- 2. Remote Sensing of Auroral Arcs.- 2.1 Quiet Auroral Arc.- 2.2 Diffuse and Pulsating Aurora.- 2.3 Proper Motion of Auroral Arcs.- 2.4 Physical Characteristics.- 2.5 Auroral Morphology.- 2.6 Distortions in Auroral Arcs.- 2.7 Black Aurora.- 3. Theoretical Building Blocks.- 3.1 The Conducting Ionosphere.- 3.2 Magnetospheric Current Sources.- 3.3 Parallel Electric Fields.- 3.4 Dynamic Magnetosphere-Ionosphere Coupling.- 3.5 Wave-Particle Interactions.- 4. In Situ Measurements in the Auroral Plasma.- 4.1 Upward Current Region Processes.- 4.2 Downward Current Region Processes.- 4.3 Waves and Radiation.- 4.4 Time-Dependent Alfv?nic Processes.- 4.5 Specific Regions.- 5. Statistics and Mapping of Auroral Features.- 5.1 Statistical and Empirical Studies of Auroral Distributions.- 5.2 Mapping Auroral Features to the Magnetosphere.- 6. ELECTRODYNAMICS OF AURORAL FORMS.- 6.1 Eveningside Discrete Arcs.- 6.2 Westward Traveling Surge.- 6.3 Omega Bands.- 6.4 Auroral Streamers.- 6.5 Polar Cap Aurora.- 7. Theoretical Models.- 7.1 Static E? Models.- 7.2 Boundary Layer Coupling to the Ionosphere.- 7.3 Current and Voltage Generators.- 7.4 Resonant Alfv?n Waves.- 7.5 Propagating Arc Models.- 7.6 Transient Acceleration.- 7.8 Essential Elements of an Integrated Theory.- 8 DYNAMIC COUPLING TO THE MAGNETOSPHERE.- 8.1 Magnetosphere as an Auroral Precipitation Source.- 8.2 Magnetospheric Energy Circulation.- 8.3 Magnetospheric Control.- 8.4 Ionospheric Control.- 8.5 Open Issues.- 9. The Aurora as a Universal Phenomenon.- 9.1 Aurora on Other Planets.- 9.2 Auroral Accelerationin Astrophysical Objects.- References.- Author Addresses.