Tailward propagating cross-tail current disruption and dynamics of near-earth tail: A multi-point measurement analysis

Journal Article · Fri May 21 04:00:00 EDT 1993 · Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/93GL00072· OSTI ID:6174575

Jacquey, C; Sauvaud, J A; Dandouras, J ^[1]; Korth, A ^[2]

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1. Toulouse Univ. (France)
2. Max Planck Institut fuer Aeronomie, Lindau (Germany)

The authors report on analysis of data from three satellites (GEOS-2, ISEE-1 and 2), located in the magnetotail at 6.6 to 13RE during a substorm which occured on March 4, 1979. Energetic particle data, and magnetometer data are analyzed. The substorm appears to have developed at 6 to 9RE, and then propogated tailward a disruption in the cross tail current at a velocity of150 to 250km/s. Observation of the auroral electrojet index shows intensifications, and magnetometer data indicate transverse field components, which are consistent with current flow earthward. This current feeds energy to the electrojet. In order to quantitatively interpret the field variations observed at GEOS-2 in geostationary orbit, the authors found it easiest to assume the current sheet is expanding in that region.

• OSTI ID: 6174575
• Journal Information: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States), Journal Name: Geophysical Research Letters (American Geophysical Union); (United States) Vol. 20:10; ISSN GPRLAJ; ISSN 0094-8276
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

661320* -- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (1992-)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
CURRENTS
DYNAMICS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
ELECTRIC CURRENTS
ELECTROJETS
MAGNETIC STORMS
MAGNETOTAIL
MECHANICS
PLASMA DISRUPTION
PLASMA SHEET