What Causes the Ring Current in Earth's Magnetosphere?

[Kara386]

Is ring current caused by gradient-curvature drift? I can't find a website that explicitly says that, they just call it 'longitudinal drift' and don't specify the mechanism, which I assume is particles drifting from one field line to the next - i.e. grad B drift and curvature drift?

 

[davenn]

Is ring current caused by gradient-curvature drift? I can't find a website that explicitly says that, they just call it 'longitudinal drift' and don't specify the mechanism, which I assume is particles drifting from one field line to the next - i.e. grad B drift and curvature drift?

I have no idea what context you are putting this statement into
please elaborate on what you are referring toDave

 

[Kara386]

I have no idea what context you are putting this statement into
please elaborate on what you are referring toDave

Oh sorry, I meant in the Earth's magnetosphere.