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Long period hydromagnetic wave inside the plasmasphere

Journal Article · · J. Geophys. Res.; (United States)

A long period (approx.6 min) hydromagnetic wave was observed near Lapprox.4 in the southern hemisphere at both Halley Bay and Siple, Antarctica, to have a substantially larger amplitude than that observed in the northern hemisphere conjugate areas. At Halley Bay, as well as at Siple, the wave appeared quite monochromatic. Data from a station array conjugate to Siple in the northern hemisphere showed the wave to be localized near Lapprox.3.4. Whistler wave determinations of the equatorial electron densities show the wave to occur inside the plasmasphere. The wave period and localization region are no readily reconcilable with a cold, pure hydrogen plasma. The density of heavy ions that would be required within the plasmasphere to explain the observations appears excessive from present understanding of magnetosphere plasmas.

Research Organization:
Institute of Geological Sciences, Edinburgh, Scotland
OSTI ID:
6769276
Journal Information:
J. Geophys. Res.; (United States), Journal Name: J. Geophys. Res.; (United States) Vol. 87:A3; ISSN JGREA
Country of Publication:
United States
Language:
English