Energetics of the magnetosphere at different phases of a magnetic storm

Determination of magnetic balance in the magnetosphere at different magnetic storm phases showed that Joule energy dissipation in the auroral ionosphere Uj into the main phase is at the same level and even above the injection energy into the ring current UDR. The Uj value is greater at the reduction phase of the magnetic storm. Assuming that the currents in the magneto-tails contribute essentially to the variations in the geomagnetic field observed on the Earth surface at the low latitudes in the course of the storm main phase, the plasma energy in the ring current should be reduced at least by two. 16 refs., 3 figs