Reply to comment by M. W. Liemohn and A. J. Ridley on ''Nonlinear response of the polar ionosphere to large values of the interplanetary electric field''

[1] The comment by Liemohn and Ridley [2002] generally agrees with the thesis of Russell et al. [2001] that the cross polar cap potential drop, CPCP, and the joule heating in the auroral regions depends non-linearly on the interplanetary electric field IEF. However, they take issue with the degree of that non-linearity. Liemohn and Ridley [2002] state that "the non-linear response may only be just beginning at 3mVm(-1) where RLL [Russell et al., 2001] state that it is in full effect.'' As we detail below, we see nothing in the Liemohn and Ridley [2002] comment that counters our conclusion. In fact, the change in slope above 3 mVm(-1) shown in Figure 12 of the original paper, is striking. It cannot easily be dismissed.