Although auroral torch structures and omega bands have been observed and studied for decades, a satisfactory understanding of how they form has yet to be achieved. Using global auroral imager data, we show conclusively that the equatorward moving north-south (NS) aligned auroral forms that are ejected episodically from the poleward boundary can evolve directly into torch structures which contribute to a well-defined omega-band form. And that as a consequence, omega bands can be produced as a direct result of earthward-directed bursty bulk flows (BBFs).
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Henderson et al. (2002) studied this question.