Correlations between solar wind parameters and auroral kilometric radiation intensity

The relationship between solar wind properties and the influx of energy into the nightside auroral region, as indicated by the intensity of auroral kilometric radiation, is investigated. Fluctuations, as large as three orders of magnitude and with periods related to the solar rotation period, are found in the observed intensity of auroral kilometric radiation. Correlations are made with solar wind ion density, bulk flow speed (V/sub sw/), total IMF strength (B/sub sw/), Vertical BarV/sub sw/ x B/sub sw/Vertical Bar electric field, solar wind V/sub sw/B/sub s/ (where B/sub s/ is the southward component of the IMF B/sub z/) solar wind V/sub sw/2B/sub sw/ and V/sub sw/B/sub sw/2, and the substorm parameter epsilon( = V/sub sw/B/sub sw/2sin4(theta/2)L02). The best correlation is between the solar wind flow speed and the intensity of auroral kilometric radiation. For the 203 daily averages examined, a linear correlation coefficient of 0.78 is found