Physics
Scientific paper
Apr 1976
adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1976jgr....81.1636z&link_type=abstract
Journal of Geophysical Research, vol. 81, Apr. 1, 1976, p. 1636-1648.
Physics
85
Interplanetary Magnetic Fields, Magnetopause, Plasma Density, Solar Wind, Atmospheric Models, Bow Waves, Depletion, Geomagnetism, Lines Of Force, Rarefied Plasmas, Solar Wind Velocity
Scientific paper
A mathematical model is presented that describes the squeezing of solar wind plasma out along interplanetary magnetic field lines in the region between the bow shock and the effective planetary boundary (in the case of the earth, the magnetopause). In the absence of local magnetic merging the squeezing process should create a 'depletion layer', a region of very low plasma density just outside the magnetopause. Numerical solutions are obtained for the dimensionless magnetohydrodynamic equations describing this depletion process for the case where the solar wind magnetic field is perpendicular to the solar wind flow direction. For the case of the earth, the theory predicts that the density should be reduced by a factor exceeding 2 in a layer about 700-1300 km thick if the Alfven Mach number in the solar wind, is equal to 8. Scaling of the model calculations to Venus and Mars suggests layer thicknesses about 1/10 and 1/15 those of the earth, respectively, neglecting diffusion and ionospheric effects.
Wolf Richard A.
Zwan B. J.
No associations
LandOfFree
Depletion of solar wind plasma near a planetary boundary 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 Depletion of solar wind plasma near a planetary boundary, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Depletion of solar wind plasma near a planetary boundary will most certainly appreciate the feedback.
Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1613151