The magnetopause as a tangential discontinuity for large field rotation angles

Details The magnetopause as a tangential discontinuity for large field rotation angles The magnetopause as a tangential discontinuity for large field rotation angles

Jan 1984

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1984jgr....89..127p&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research (ISSN 0148-0227), vol. 89, Jan. 1, 1984, p. 127-135. Research supported by the Bundesministerium

Computer Science

Sound

37

Magnetic Field Configurations, Magnetopause, Satellite Sounding, Space Plasmas, Angles (Geometry), International Sun Earth Explorers, Magnetospheric Electron Density, Magnetospheric Proton Density

Scientific paper

Three passes of the ISEE 1 and 2 satellites through the dayside terrestrial magnetopause are discussed where the magnetopause is identified as a tangential discontinuity. This identification is based primarily on the failure of the plasma and magnetic field data to satisfy the conditions for a rotational discontinuity. In all these cases the interplanetary magnetic field was directed strongly southward and the angles between the fields on the two sides of the magnetopause ranged between 136 deg and 170 deg. As this is precisely the field geometry thought to be most conducive for reconnection, the magnetopause would be expected to be a rotational discontinuity. The simplest explanation of this result would appear to be that the magnetic field orientation is not the only factor controlling the onset of reconnection. However, as the identification of the discontinuity applies only locally, it cannot be excluded that for the magnetic field conditions investigated here, different portions of the magnetopause can be described as tangential and rotational discontinuities simultaneously.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

The magnetopause as a tangential discontinuity for large field rotation angles 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 The magnetopause as a tangential discontinuity for large field rotation angles, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and The magnetopause as a tangential discontinuity for large field rotation angles will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-937322