Accession Number:

ADA017001

Title:

Examples of Plasma Flows within the Earth's Magnetosphere.

Descriptive Note:

Research rept.,

Corporate Author:

IOWA UNIV IOWA CITY DEPT OF PHYSICS AND ASTRONOMY

Personal Author(s):

• Frank,L. A.
• Ackerson,K. L.

Report Date:

1975-09-01

Pagination or Media Count:

25.0

Abstract:

Examples of observed flows of plasmas in the dayside magnetosphere near the magnetopause, within the ring current in the local-evening sector, and at two positions simultaneously in the plasma sheet are presented. These measurements were gained with LEPEDEA plasma instruments on the satellites IMPs -6 and -7. Flow velocities inside the magnetopause in the dayside magnetosphere are typically 25 to 75 kmsec, and are directed generally parallel to the tangent to the nearby magnetopause with a small component directed into this boundary. Bulk flow speeds within the ring current ranged from the instrument threshold of about 20 kmsec to speeds of 50 kmsec. Strong tailward jetting of plasmas, in the range of 200 to 300 kmsec, at geocentric radial distances about 35 R sub E in the plasma sheet is found to be often associated with the occurrence of magnetic substorms.

Descriptors:

• *Magnetosphere
• *Plasmas(Physics)
• Magnetic storms
• Scientific satellites
• Periodic variations

Subject Categories:

• Atmospheric Physics
• Plasma Physics and Magnetohydrodynamics

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE