Observed signatures of reconnection in the magnetotail

Journal Article · Sun Mar 01 04:00:00 EST 1981 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA086iA03p01422· OSTI ID:6451261

Nishida, A; Hayakawa, H; Hones, Jr, E W

Plasma and magnetic field data from Imp 6 are examined statistically to study the occurrence of reconnection in the near-earth region (within approx.20 R/sub E/) of the magnetotail. It is confirmed that the southward polarity of the magnetic field observed in the low-latitude magnetotail (within a few R/sub E/ of the estimated neutral sheet position) is strongly coupled to a tailward flow of plasma, as expected from the near-earth reconnection model. It is noted, however, that reconnection is not the unique source of the tailward flow, and plasma is seen to be flowing back and forth regardless of the occurrence of near-earth reconnection. It is fast tailward flow having speeds greater than about 400 km/s that is mostly due to near-earth reconnection. There is an indication that detectability of an associated signature in the auroral zone magnetic field is related to the reconnection rate.

• Research Organization: Institute of Space and Aeronautical Science, University of Tokyo, Komaba, Meguro-ku, Tokyo 153, Japan
• OSTI ID: 6451261
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 86:A3; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
GEOMAGNETIC FIELD
MAGNETIC BAYS
MAGNETIC FIELD CONFIGURATIONS
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOSPHERE
MAGNETOTAIL
PLASMA DRIFT
PLASMA SHEET