One-dimensional hybrid simulations of current sheets in the quiet magnetotail

Journal Article · Sat Oct 01 04:00:00 EDT 1994 · Geophysical Research Letters

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/94GL01693· OSTI ID:159779

Cargill, P J; Chen, J; Harold, J B

Hybrid simulations (kinetic ions, massless fluid electrons) have been performed of the magnetotail current sheet for parameters characteristic of the quiet magnetotail (v{sub D}, b{sub n}<<1). Here b{sub n} = B{sub n}/B{sub 0}, v{sub D} = (cEy/Bn)/v{sub i}, B{sub n} is the north/south (z) magnetic field, B{sub 0} the asymptotic value of the tailward (x) field and v{sub i} the ion thermal speed, where the magnetospheric coordinate system is used. It is shown that the current sheet is more stable than in previously examined cases with high v{sub D} and/or large b{sub n}. A clear single reversal in B{sub x} persists over the entire simulation and a B{sub y} component is created, with a slow rate of growth (hundreds of {Omega}{sub i}{sup {minus}1}, where {Omega}{sub i} = eB{sub 0}/m{sub i}c). This is many minutes in real time. It is suggested that the waves are due to an electromagnetic instability of the cross-field ion current. 14 refs., 3 figs.

• OSTI ID: 159779
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters, Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters Journal Issue: 20 Vol. 21; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

66 PHYSICS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
KINETIC EQUATIONS
MAGNETOTAIL
PLASMA FLUID EQUATIONS
PLASMA SHEET
PLASMA SIMULATION
STABILITY