Magnitude of B[sub Z] in the neutral sheet of the magnetotail

Journal Article · Sat Jan 01 04:00:00 EST 1994 · Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States)

DOI:https://doi.org/10.1029/93JA01752· OSTI ID:7064984

Huang, C Y; Frank, L A ^[1]

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1. Univ. of Iowa, Iowa City, IA (United States)

Statistical estimates of the average value of B[sub Z] in the magnetotail neutral sheet between 10 and 22 R[sub E] in X, and [minus]10 to 10 R[sub E] in Y (GSM coordinates) are given for different phases of geomagnetic activity. With few exceptions the average value of B[sub Z] is found to be between 5 and 8 nT, but generally near 7 nT, irrespective of the type or phase of activity. This is considerably higher than is predicted in current magnetic field models of the magnetotail. The magnetic field within 2 R[sub E] of the neutral sheet is examined to determine whether B[sub Z] remains approximately constant. The authors do not find this to be true, B[sub Z] decreasing significantly over this distance from [delta]Z = 0. The structure of the cross-tail current and variations in current density with substorm phase appear to be more complicated than is commonly accepted. 14 refs., 6 figs., 8 tabs.

• OSTI ID: 7064984
• Journal Information: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States), Journal Name: Journal of Geophysical Research; (United States) Vol. 99:A1; ISSN 0148-0227; ISSN JGREA2
• Country of Publication: United States
• Language: English

Related Subjects

661320* -- Auroral
Ionospheric
& Magnetospheric Phenomena-- (1992-)
71 CLASSICAL AND QUANTUM MECHANICS
GENERAL PHYSICS
EARTH ATMOSPHERE
EARTH MAGNETOSPHERE
MAGNETIC FIELDS
MAGNETOTAIL
PLASMA SHEET