Energetic particle observations in the low-latitude boundary layer

Journal Article · Sat Jun 01 04:00:00 EDT 1985 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA090iA06p05097· OSTI ID:6162770

Williams, D J; Mitchell, D G; Eastman, T E; Frank, L A

Energetic (approximately equal to or greater than 24 keV) particle three-dimensional distributions are presented, taking into account a dawnside (approximately 0515 LT) and duskside (approximately 1845 LT) traversal of the magnetopause boundary regions during periods of northward magnetosheath magnetic field. The boundary region traversed is identified as the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) on the basis of survey plasma data, the energetic particle distributions, and magnetic field behavior. The main features of the energetic particle data for these two passes are discussed. On the basis of an analysis of the obtained data, it is concluded that the dawn and dusk LLBL are on closed geomagnetic field lines. It is found that the plasma sheet is the main source of energetic LLBL particles. The possibility exists that the tailward convecting particles in the LLBL reenter the plasma sheet at some further distance in the tailward direction. 32 references.

• Research Organization: Johns Hopkins Univ., Laurel, MD; Iowa Univ., Iowa City
• OSTI ID: 6162770
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 90; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
BOUNDARY LAYERS
ELECTRON DENSITY
EXPLORER SATELLITES
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
ION DENSITY
LAYERS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOPAUSE
PLASMA
SATELLITES