Accelerated motions of the magnetopause as a trigger of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

Details Accelerated motions of the magnetopause as a trigger of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability Accelerated motions of the magnetopause as a trigger of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability

Dec 1993

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1993jgr....9821365m&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227), vol. 98, no. A12, p. 21,365-21,371

Physics

16

Geomagnetism, Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability, Magnetohydrodynamic Flow, Magnetopause, Magnetospheric Instability, Mathematical Models, Plasma Acceleration, Solar Wind, Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Magnetohydrodynamic Stability, Shear Layers

Scientific paper

We consider the effect of accelerated magnetopause motions arising from the arrival of a modified-pressure region of the solar wind with a sharp forefront upon the growth rate of the velocity shear layer instability. The range of values of relative pressure variation on the front was taken to lie within 1.25 - 2, and the front thickness ranged from 200 km to 1 R(sub E) (6400 km). At different phases of motion of the boundary, the instability growth rate can change in either direction as a consequence of the Rayleigh-Taylor effect, in accordance with a change of sign of acceleration g of the boundary. The typical time during which of the boundary remains inside the new equilibrium position (less than or = 1 min) is sufficient for the instability to reach the nonlinear regime. It is possible that plasma flutes on the boundary penetrate the magnetosphere. Generation of disturbances can be modulated by boundary oscillations inside the new equilibrium position. We discuss the interplanetary magnetic field influence upon the growth rate of the MHD instability under consideration. An analysis is made of a number of daytime geophysical conditions which cannot be understood when interpreted in terms of the instability on a stationary boundary.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Accelerated motions of the magnetopause as a trigger of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability 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 Accelerated motions of the magnetopause as a trigger of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Accelerated motions of the magnetopause as a trigger of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1300184