Tearing mode in quasi-neutral sheets

Journal Article · Mon Dec 01 04:00:00 EST 1980 · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/JA085iA12p06719· OSTI ID:6680558

Coroniti, F V

For a quasi-neutral current sheet with a finite normal magnetic component the tearing mode is stabilized by the adiabatic motion of the magnetized electrons. If the current sheet is not absolutely quiescent but contains electromagnetic wave turbulence (or collisions) which pitch angle scatters the mirror-trapped electrons, the tearing mode is destabilized with a growth rate proportional to the pitch angle diffusion coefficient. For observed turbulence levels in the earth's plasma sheet the tearing growth time could be 5 min.

• Research Organization: Department of Astronomy and Department of Physics, University of California Los Angeles, California 90024
• OSTI ID: 6680558
• Journal Information: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 85:A12; ISSN JGREA
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COLLISIONS
DIFFUSION
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
ELECTRON COLLISIONS
ELECTRON-ELECTRON COLLISIONS
ENERGY LOSSES
INCLINATION
INSTABILITY
INSTABILITY GROWTH RATES
LOSSES
MAGNETOSPHERE
PLASMA DRIFT
PLASMA INSTABILITY
PLASMA SHEET