Testing substorm theories: The need for multipoint observations

Lockwood, M. ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7397-2172 (1997) Testing substorm theories: The need for multipoint observations. Advances in Space Research, 20 (4-5). pp. 883-894. ISSN 02731177 doi: 10.1016/S0273-1177(97)00496-1

Abstract/Summary

The requirement for multipoint observations to test theories of magnetospheric substorms is reviewed. A wide variety of such theories have been proposed, but these cannot be properly evaluated because we do not understand how the various features of a substorm are causally linked. In terms of explaining certain substorm features, some theories may be mutually-exclusive rivals. But this is not always the case, making it possible that theories may be either combined into a synthesis model or loosely connected in a more modular view of substorms. Some key questions are defined which require multipoint in-situ measurements, combined with remote sensing observations, of the development and relationship of the major substorm features.