Ground-Based Investigation of Upflowing Ions in the Discrete Aurora

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Upflowing ions in the aurora are investigated by use of extant radar, optical, and satellite observations, and by analytical time-dependant modeling of ionospheric flow continuity and energy balance. The temporal and spatial auroral morphology associated with intense upflow events is first established by review of Sondrestrom, EISCAT, and EISCAT Svalbard radar data along with wide-angle optical spectral imaging. Selected events from the morphology study are scrutinized to provide detailed state-variable quantification during auroral ion outflow events. The state variables are then used as constraints on a time-dependent, coupled, continuity and energy balance analytical model that simulates ion and neutral diffusion, photochemical reaction rates, metastable emissions, and thermal balance. The model maps three-dimensional ionospheric affects to the ground, permitting salient comparison with ground-based observations.