An estimate of the global-scale joule heating rates in the thermosphere due to time mean currents

摘要: An estimate of the global-scale joule heating rates in thermosphere is made based on derived global equivalent overhead electric current systems dynamo region during geomagnetically quiet and disturbed periods. The total neutral gas rate due to dissipation proportional Pedersen conductivity square field perpendicular geomagnetic line. distribution calculated from Ohm's law as applied using currents estimated data components two-dimensional tensor determined empirical models electron number density distributions. are for various monthly average periods 1965. maximize at high latitudes early evening postmidnight sectors. During times daytime considerably lower than by solar EUV radiation. However, increase an order magnitude can locally exceed rates. results show that important dominant energy source latitudes. mean near minimum generally small compared