An explanation for tailward flows with positive B{sub z} in the distant tail neutral sheet during quite times
ISEE-3 and GEOTAIL observations have revealed that at x = -210 to -220 R{sub E}, the z-component of magnetic field across the tail neutral sheet is positive, and the plasma flow is tailward during geomagnetically quiet times. Observations have also shown that the y- and z-components of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) partially penetrate into the magnetotail for both positive and negative IMF B{sub z}. The authors have evaluated the topology of the magnetospheric magnetic field expected from a partial penetration of the IMF when it has a positive z-component. They find that, in addition to the closed and purely IMF field lines that are generally acknowledged to exist for a southward IMF B{sub z}, there is a region at intermediate radial distances of open field lines that cross the tail neutral sheet before exiting the magnetosphere. This region lies between x approx. -150 R{sub E} and x approx. -325 R{sub E} for the representative IMF orientation and model that they have used. They suggest that the quiet-time observations from ISEE-3 and GEOTAIL of tailward flow and positive B{sub z} across the distant tail neutral sheet were obtained during positive IMF B{sub z} conditions and in the region of open field lines. Such an explanation would also account for the GEOTAIL observation that magnetosheath-like plasma associated with positive B{sub z} is common in the distant tail plasma sheet beyond 150 R{sub E} but not closer to Earth.
- Research Organization:
- Aerospace Corp., El Segundo, CA (United States)
- OSTI ID:
- 42797
- Report Number(s):
- ATR-95(7270)-1; CNN: NSF ATM-91-20072; TRN: 9523933
- Resource Relation:
- Other Information: PBD: Mar 1995
- Country of Publication:
- United States
- Language:
- English
Similar Records
Solar wind-magnetosphere coupling and the distant magnetotail: ISEE-3 observations
Analysis of an extended period of earthward plasma sheet flow at @220 R sub E : CDAW 8