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Structure of the plasma sheet-lobe boundary in the earth's magnetotail

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)
The structure of the magnetotail plasma sheet-plasma lobe boundary is studied by observing the properties of tailward flowing O/sup +/ ion streams. These have been detected by the ISEE 2 plasma experiment inside the boundary during three time periods in April 1978: data from the ISEE 1 electron spectrometer are used to define the location of the boundary. The density of the O/sup +/ ion streams has a relative maximum, and their velocity has a relative minimum at the boundary. The xy drift velocity component across the local magnetic field reverses at the boundary, indicating a reversal of the E/sub z/ electric field component. These changes are consistent with the topology of the electric field lines in the tail as mapped from the ionosphere.
Research Organization:
Instituo di Fisica dello Spazio Interplanetario, CNR
OSTI ID:
6468214
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 89:A3; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English

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