Global aspects of the Earth's magnetopause

Details Global aspects of the Earth's magnetopause Global aspects of the Earth's magnetopause

Aug 1979

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1979esasp.148....5f&link_type=abstract

In ESA Magnetospheric Boundary Layers p 5-13 (SEE N80-13529 04-42)

Physics

1

Geomagnetism, Magnetic Field Configurations, Magnetopause, Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability, Magnetosheath, Plasma Sheaths, Solar Wind

Scientific paper

Measurable characteristics of the magnetopause are discussed. The Earth's magnetopause is a thin magnetic discontinuity separating the shocked, magnetized plasma of the solar wind from a more tenuous plasma contained by the geomagnetic field. This external magnetosheath plasma flows around the magnetosphere with characteristics that are in approximate agreement with gas dynamic theory. The interplanetary magnetic field carried by this plasma becomes draped over the magnetosphere and its orientation relative to the local geomagnetic field determines the local magnetopause current. Solar wind pressure and interplanetary field direction control the geocentric distance to the magnetopause with high pressures and southware fields moving the equatorial magnetopause to a more earthward location. Evidence suggests that the magnetopause is Kelvin-Helmholtz unstable and surface waves are propagating toward the magnetotail.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Global aspects of the Earth's magnetopause does not yet have a rating. At this time, there are no reviews or comments for this scientific paper.

If you have personal experience with Global aspects of the Earth's magnetopause, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Global aspects of the Earth's magnetopause will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1484269