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Accession Number:
ADA188592
Title:
Electric Fields in Earth Orbital Space. Magnetospheric Structural Dynamic Response to External Variables.
Descriptive Note:
Annual rept. Oct 86-Nov 87,
Corporate Author:
MCDONNELL DOUGLAS ASTRONAUTICS CO HUNTINGTON BEACH CA
Report Date:
1987-11-01
Pagination or Media Count:
22.0
Abstract:
It is known that the magnetosphere responds dynamically to changes in the interplanetary magnetic field IMF. Instead of qualitative reconnection theory which we believe is basically incorrect, we have examined this response in terms of electromagnetic wave propagation in the interplanetary region. We suggest that the interplanetary plasma solar wind is magnetized by the solar magnetic sector structure. Electromagnetic waves of high frequency can propagate through the solar wind without appreciable attenuation. It is the interaction of these disturbance waves with the magnetosphere that causes the observed magnetospheric response to the IMF. We have examined quantitatively the propagation of electromagnetic disturbances in the interplanetary region and their interaction with the magnetosphere. Only certain modes propagate and there are further restrictions on the waves at the magnetopause. We have shown that a southward turning wave enters the tail of the magnetosphere and weakens the magnetic field in the plasma sheet. A northward turning wave increases the field. In this report we present the implications of these waves on substorm dynamics. Keywords Electromagnetic waves Electromagnetic plasmas Magnetosphere Magnetic fields Electric fields.
Distribution Statement:
APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE
