Recent progress in the understanding of the ion composition in the magnetosphere and some major question marks

Journal Article · Sun Aug 01 04:00:00 EDT 1982 · Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/RG020i003p00589· OSTI ID:6696463

Hultqvist, B

Observations of the energetic ion composition in the magnetosphere are reviewed with emphasis on the recent measurements by means of GEOS 1 and 2, ISEE 1 and 2, PROGNOZ 7, and SCATHA. The observations are compared with the predictions of the open magnetosphere model. One of the major conclusions is that there are processes in the magnetosphere which play a much larger part than the model, as hitherto presented, predicts. Direct ejection of inonospheric ions, in combination with acceleration, along losed as well as open field lines may even be the dominant source process for the ring current/inner plasma sheet in magnetic storms. In very disturbed conditions this ejection mechanism must work over most of the hemisphere poleward of say, 50/sup 0/. Circulation of the ionospheric ions through the tail of the magnetosphere is not likely to be of primary importance for the energization of these ions in very disturbed conditions. Other conclusions about the ring current/plasma sheet plasma are presented and discussed.

• Research Organization: Kiruna Geophysical Institute, S-981 27 Kiruna, Sweden
• OSTI ID: 6696463
• Journal Information: Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States), Journal Name: Rev. Geophys. Space Phys.; (United States) Vol. 20:3; ISSN RGPSB
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640203* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (-1987)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
COMPARATIVE EVALUATIONS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
IONIC COMPOSITION
MAGNETOSPHERE
MATHEMATICAL MODELS
PLASMA