Current Sheets and Intermediate Shocks in the Magnetosheath for Low Alfvenic Mach Numbers

Details Current Sheets and Intermediate Shocks in the Magnetosheath for Low Alfvenic Mach Numbers Current Sheets and Intermediate Shocks in the Magnetosheath for Low Alfvenic Mach Numbers

Dec 2011

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=2011agufmsm22b..04k&link_type=abstract

American Geophysical Union, Fall Meeting 2011, abstract #SM22B-04

Physics

[2724] Magnetospheric Physics / Magnetopause And Boundary Layers, [2728] Magnetospheric Physics / Magnetosheath, [2753] Magnetospheric Physics / Numerical Modeling

Scientific paper

Solar wind Alfvenic Mach numbers may reach unusually low values under certain conditions, such as those found in magnetic clouds. In this presentation we discuss properties of the terrestrial magnetosphere under such conditions. The most striking of these properties is the formation of complex bow shocks consisting of multiple segments in front of an obstacle. Such unusual flow regimes are generally associated with parallel shocks becoming non-evloutionary, in which case theoretical considerations require the appearance of additional shocks of the intermediate type in the flow pattern. The current systems associated with these intermediate shocks extend across the magnetosheath and connect directly with the magnetopause current system. With increasing Alfvenic Mach number the trans-magnetosheath intermediate shocks disappear and the magnetosphere starts to look much more "conventional". The trans-magnetosheath current system, however, persists for much higher Alfvenic Mach numbers than the intermediate shocks. The existence of these currents is required to change of direction of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field in the magnetosheath from upstream conditions to those tangential to the dayside magnetopause.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Current Sheets and Intermediate Shocks in the Magnetosheath for Low Alfvenic Mach Numbers 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 Current Sheets and Intermediate Shocks in the Magnetosheath for Low Alfvenic Mach Numbers, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Current Sheets and Intermediate Shocks in the Magnetosheath for Low Alfvenic Mach Numbers will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1890221