A comprehensive model current system for high-latitude magnetic activity -II. The substorm component

Summary. In paper I of this series (Hughes & Rostoker) we have presented a composite model three-dimensional current system whose magnetic perturbation pattern is in good agreement with that observed at high latitudes during periods of moderate magnetospheric activity. In this paper we extend the model current system to demonstrate its ability to reproduce the magnetic perturbation pattern associated with the magnetospheric substorms. In agreement with previous workers, we find it necessary to include a region of intense equatorward current flow at the western edge of the westward travelling surge. For the particular substorm event presented in this paper, we find that the main eastward and westward electrojets intensified slightly before the appearance of the surge form, and we are able to evaluate quantitatively the amount of change involved.