Observations and theory of the AMPTE (Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers) magnetotail barium releases

Technical Report · Thu Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1987

OSTI ID:6824387

Bernhardt, P A; Roussel-Dupre, R A; Pongratz, M B; Haerendel, G; Valenzuela, A; Gurnett, D A; Anderson, R R

The barium releases in the magnetotail during the Active Magnetospheric Particle Tracer Explorers (AMPTE) operation were monitored by ground-based imagers and by instruments on the Ion Release Module. After each release, the data show the formation of a structured diamagnetic cavity. The cavity grows until the dynamic pressure of the expanding ions balances the magnetic pressure on its surface. The magnetic field inside the cavity is zero. The barium ions collect on the surface of the cavity, producing a shell. Plasma irregularities form along magnetic field lines draped over the surface of the cavity. The scale size of the irregularities is nearly equal to the thickness of the shell. The evolution and structuring of the diamagnetic cavity are modeled using magnetohydrodynamics theory. 5 refs., 28 figs., 3 tabs.

• Research Organization: Los Alamos National Lab., NM (USA)
• DOE Contract Number: W-7405-ENG-36
• OSTI ID: 6824387
• Report Number(s): LA-10904-MS; ON: DE87006325
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

640201* -- Atmospheric Physics-- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magetospheric Phenomena
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
ALKALINE EARTH METALS
BARIUM
CHARGE-COUPLED DEVICES
CHARGED-PARTICLE TRANSPORT
DIAMAGNETISM
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
ELEMENTS
IONIZATION
MAGNETISM
MAGNETOTAIL
METALS
RADIATION TRANSPORT
SEMICONDUCTOR DEVICES