Observations of a gradual transition between Ps 6 activity with auroral torches and surgelike pulsations during strong geomagnetic disturbances

A long-lasting large-amplitude pulsation event was observed on January 10, 1983, 0200--0600 UT (0411--0745 MLT) in the ionosphere and in the magnetosphere. In the ionosphere the characteristics of the pulsations changed from being Ps 6/auroral torches toward substorms and back to Ps 6 over the 4-hour period. At the geostationary orbit (6.6 Re) the corresponding characteristics were a modulation of the high-energy (≥20 keV) particle intensity and plasma dropouts. Following the work by Rostoker and Samson (1984), we propose an interpretation of the event in which the pulsations are caused by the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, during an interval of strong magnetospheric convection. The gradual transition between Ps 6 pulsations and substorm structures is interpreted as being different results of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, caused by different states of the magnetospheric convection. The proposed explanation forms the basis for a discussion on a simplified scheme of the substorm sequence. copyright American Geophysical Union 1988