MHD momentum balance in the induced magnetic field at Mars using MAVEN data.

Abstract:

We examine magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) momentum balance in the Martian ionosphere using MAVEN measurements along several single spacecraft trajectories. We hope to establish distinct patterns in the characteristic magnetic field configurations and relate them to different pressure balance scenarios. We determine the direction of current sheets in the ionosphere and consider the resulting transport effects and look for flux-rope magnetic configurations that may be important to ionospheric energy transport. We consider the implications of local conservation of momentum for ionospheric flows in regions absent of crustal field interference. We expect horizontal current sheets should dominate the induced field region, and deviations from horizontal flow may indicate the presence of more complicated magnetic structures such as flux ropes or magnetic reconnection regions. This type of study not only helps in determining total atmospheric loss at Mars but elucidates the effects of complicated magnetic field structures in ionospheres, in general, with induced magnetic fields (e.g., Venus).