Ionospheric signatures of the low-latitude boundary layer under conditions of northward IMF and small clock angle

International audienceA case study is presented that concerns the footprints of the low-latitude boundary layer in the high-latitude ionosphere. The measurements were made near local magnetic noon in summertime under conditions of Bz>0 and small clock angle. Of particular interest are particle fluxes measured in the region by the NOAA-12 satellite that revealed energetic (>30 keV) electrons, characteristic of trapped particles, together with a population of softer precipitating magnetosheath particles. The particle energy-distribution was distinct from those identifying the central plasma sheet at lower latitudes. On its poleward side the layer extended to at least the latitude of the polar cap boundary as identified in ion flows and electron densities measured by the EISCAT Svalbard radar. It is proposed that the particles of the low-latitude boundary layer occurred on newly-closed magnetic field lines, which were formed by the closure of open polar cap field by lobe reconnection in both Northern and Southern Hemispheres