Abstract
We quantify the contributions of different convection states to the
magnetic flux throughput of the magnetosphere during 2010. To do this we
provide a continuous classification of convection state for the duration
of 2010 based upon observations of the solar wind and interplanetary
magnetic field, geomagnetic indices, and field-aligned currents measured
by the Active Magnetosphere and Planetary Electrodynamics Response
Experiment (AMPERE). Convection states are defined as 1) quiet and 2)
weak activity, substorm 3) growth, 4) expansion, and 5) recovery phases,
6) substorm driven phase (when relatively steady magnetospheric
convection occurs), 7) recovery bays (when recovery phase is accompanied
by a negative excursion of the AL electrojet index), and 8) periods of
multiple intensifications (storm-time periods when continuous
short-period AL activity occur). The magnetosphere is quiet for 46% of
the time, when very little convection takes place. The majority of
convection occurs during growth and driven phases (21% and 38%,
respectively, of open magnetic flux accumulation by dayside
reconnection). We discuss these results in the context of the
expanding/contracting polar cap model of convection, and describe a
framework within which isolated substorms and disturbances during
periods of more continuous solar wind-magnetosphere driving can be
understood.