I have no idea what context you are putting this statement intoKara386 said:Is ring current caused by gradient-curvature drift? I can't find a website that explicitly says that, they just call it 'longitudinal drift' and don't specify the mechanism, which I assume is particles drifting from one field line to the next - i.e. grad B drift and curvature drift?
Oh sorry, I meant in the Earth's magnetosphere.davenn said:I have no idea what context you are putting this statement into
please elaborate on what you are referring toDave
The ring current is caused by the interaction between Earth's magnetic field and charged particles from the solar wind.
The solar wind is a stream of charged particles, mainly protons and electrons, that are constantly emitted by the Sun. When these particles reach Earth, they are deflected by the planet's magnetic field, creating a buildup of particles on one side of the Earth, while the other side is depleted. This imbalance creates a ring current around the Earth's equator.
The main sources of particles in the ring current are the solar wind and the ionosphere. The solar wind provides the majority of the particles, while the ionosphere contributes during periods of high solar activity.
The strength of the ring current varies depending on the intensity of the solar wind and the strength of Earth's magnetic field. During periods of high solar activity, the ring current can become stronger, while it weakens during periods of low solar activity.
The ring current has various effects on Earth's environment, including causing magnetic storms and auroras. It can also affect satellites and spacecraft in orbit, causing disruptions in communication and navigation systems.