The plasmasphere of earth /Review/

Physics – Plasma Physics

Scientific paper

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Earth Atmosphere, Earth Magnetosphere, Plasma Physics, Plasmapause, Diurnal Variations, Geomagnetism, Geophysics, Plasma Diffusion, Satellite Observation

Scientific paper

Observations and theoretical models of earth's plasmasphere and plasmapause are reviewed. General characteristics of the plasmasphere and plasmapause are summarized, physical phenomena occurring in the plasmasphere are discussed, and satellite measurements in the plasmasphere are examined. Detailed attention is given to measurements of the charged-particle density and temperature in the plasmasphere by the Prognoz satellites, diurnal variations in plasmapause height, the shape of the plasmapause in the geomagnetic equatorial plane, and the thermal structure of the plasmasphere. Based on the results obtained by the Prognoz satellites, it is concluded that: (1) the plasmasphere consists of a 'cold' and fairly stable inner zone as well as a 'hot' outer zone whose dimensions, shape, and ion-temperature distribution vary most strongly during geomagnetic storms and substorms; (2) the plasma inside the geomagnetic force tubes of the outer zone is in diffusive equilibrium during long-term magnetically quiet periods; (3) the diffusive and thermal equilibria of this plasma are disrupted during geomagnetic disturbances; and (4) the ion temperature attains a value of 100,000 K in the plasmaspause.

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