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Relationship of energy flow at the magnetopause to geomagnetic activity

Journal Article · · Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States)
Properties of the energetic electron (E> or approx. =200 keV) magnetopause layer along the distant magnetotail have been studied with Caltech instrumentation aboard IMP-8 for approximately 60 spacecraft orbits. The cross-sectional area of the layer appears to increase by a factor of approx.5 with increasing geomagnetic activity, and the average unidirectional electron flux within the layer increases by a factor of approx.4. The energy carried by electrons > or approx. =200 keV ranges from approx.10/sup 14/ ergs sec/sup -1/ to approx.10/sup 15/ ergs sec/sup -1/. Extrapolation to include all electrons >1 keV suggests total energy flow ranging from approx.3 x 10/sup 15/ ergs sec/sup -1/ at quiet times to approx.5 x 10/sup 18/ ergs sec/sup -1/ at magnetically disturbed times.
Research Organization:
California Institute of Technology, Pasadena, California, 91125
OSTI ID:
5432043
Journal Information:
Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States), Journal Name: Geophys. Res. Lett.; (United States) Vol. 4:10; ISSN GPRLA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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