Interaction of ring current ions with the magnetopause

Journal Article · Thu Sep 01 04:00:00 EDT 1983 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA088iA09p06937· OSTI ID:5667751

Scholer, M; Ipavich, F M

We have analyzed phase space density observations of ring current protons (30--130 keV) during a magnetopause crossing of ISEE 1 on July 5, 1978. Plasma and magnetic field data obtained during this crossing have been reported to be consistent with quasi-steady reconnection and a reconnection line south of the satellite crossing (Sonnerup et al., 1981). We find that within the magnetosphere the phase space densities of approx.30- to approx.65-keV protons are higher for particles streaming parallel to the field (i.e., inflowing particles)= than antiparallel to the field (i.e., outward flowing particles). In the magnetosheath the phase space densities parallel to the field are higher than the densities of both outward and inward flowing particles parallel to the field within the magnetosphere. The observations are discussed in terms of acceleration of the reflected and transmitted ring current protons in the magnetopause current layer.

• Research Organization: Max-Planck-Institut fuer Physik und Astrophysik, Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik
• OSTI ID: 5667751
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 88:A9; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ACCELERATION
BARYONS
CURRENTS
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELEMENTARY PARTICLES
ENERGY RANGE
FERMIONS
HADRONS
KEV RANGE
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETOPAUSE
MAGNETOSHEATH
NUCLEONS
PLASMA ACCELERATION
PROTON DENSITY
PROTONS
RING CURRENTS