Exterior and interior polar cusps: Observations from Hawkeye

Details Exterior and interior polar cusps: Observations from Hawkeye Exterior and interior polar cusps: Observations from Hawkeye

Jun 1997

adsabs.harvard.edu/cgi-bin/nph-data_query?bibcode=1997jgr...10211335c&link_type=abstract

Journal of Geophysical Research, Volume 102, Issue A6, p. 11335-11348

Physics

21

Magnetospheric Physics: Magnetopause, Cusp, And Boundary Layers, Magnetospheric Physics: Polar Cap Phenomena, Magnetospheric Physics: Solar Wind/Magnetosphere Interactions

Scientific paper

Hawkeye plasma, magnetic field, and plasma wave instruments directly sampled the throat of the northern polar cusp as the orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) changed from southward to northward on July 3, 1974. Two distinct regions in the polar cusp were identified based on magnetic field, plasma flow and magnetic and electric noise: the interior and exterior cusps. The observations show highly variable flows in the exterior portion of the cusp and constantly strong dawn-dusk flows in the interior portion during periods of strong IMF By component. Results of a minimum variance analysis of the magnetic field at each cusp interface crossing provides evidence that the magnetopause surface normal deviated highly from empirical models. During intervals of relatively steady solar wind dynamic pressure, the motion of the cusp relative to the slow moving spacecraft was modulated by the varying IMF clock angle as observed by IMP 8 in the upstream solar wind. The motion did not show a correlation with internal processes monitored by the AE index. We propose that observed plasma flow patterns and cusp motion are results of reconnection between the IMF and the magnetospheric magnetic field. Flow velocity observed in the interior cusp is consistent with stress balance for a reconnection process. This unique interval provides an opportunity for detailed studies of the plasma, magnetic field, and plasma wave properties in both the exterior and interior cusp.

Affiliated with

Also associated with

No associations

Rating

Exterior and interior polar cusps: Observations from Hawkeye 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 Exterior and interior polar cusps: Observations from Hawkeye, we encourage you to share that experience with our LandOfFree.com community. Your opinion is very important and Exterior and interior polar cusps: Observations from Hawkeye will most certainly appreciate the feedback.

Rate now

Comments { 0 }

Profile ID: LFWR-SCP-O-1476187