The hot electrons in an above the auroral ionosphere: Observations and physical implications

This chapter examines the processes responsible for the electron streams that produce discrete forms such as auroral arcs and the more irregular and variable structures that occur during auroral breakup. Topics considered include the electron spectrum in discrete aurora and its interpretation in terms of electrostatic acceleration (peaked spectra, latitude profile, electrostatic equipotentials, low-energy electrons, fluctuating electric fields, electrons and ions, and electrons, upstreaming ions and electric fields) and factors requiring an alternative interpretation (constancy of low-energy electrons, double peaks)