MFACE

MFACE is a high-resolution field-aligned currents model derived from ten years of CHAMP data with a novel technique based on EOF decomposition. Predictor variables include MLat, MLT, DoY, IMF conditions, Vsw and AE index. Compared to existing models, MFACE yields significantly better spatial resolution, reproduces typically observed FAC thickness and intensity, improves on the magnetic local time distribution, and gives the seasonal dependence of FAC latitudes and the NBZ current signature. Our EOF decomposition reveals that EOF1 represents mainly the Bz-controlled large scale R1/R2 current pattern whereas EOF2 represents the By-controlled cusp current signature.
For details cf.
http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2012GL053168
http://dx.doi.org/10.1002/2014JA019776
http://www.faculty.jacobs-university.de/jvogt/mface/
Aurora current evolution at quiet levels of geomagnetic activity
https://youtu.be/wxuOZqJwjMs