Accession Number:

ADA188942

Title:

Observation of a Hydromagnetic Wave in the Earth's Magnetosphere.

Descriptive Note:

Master's thesis,

Corporate Author:

NAVAL POSTGRADUATE SCHOOL MONTEREY CA

Personal Author(s):

• Patterson, John W., III

Report Date:

1987-12-01

Pagination or Media Count:

78.0

Abstract:

Measurements of a continuous hydromagnetic micropulsation event, which occurred in the pre-dawn magnetosphere on July 29, 1979, are reported as observed by wave and particle instruments onboard the P78-2 SCATHA spacecraft. Calculations of the Poynting vector make it clear that the wave is a traveling Alfven wave guided by the earths magnetic field line. Plasma densities are calculated at L 7. The phase relationship between the plasma flux and the electromagnetic fields is investigated. A self-consistent set of particle density and particle velocity data is determined, in order to verify the measurement of the electric field. Current magnetospheric models predicting Alfven wave speeds, Alfven wave periods and plasma densities are supported by the study. Keywords PC5 Micropulsations Magnetosphere models.

Descriptors:

• *MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMIC WAVES
• *MAGNETOSPHERE
• DENSITY
• ELECTRIC FIELDS
• ELECTROMAGNETIC FIELDS
• FLUX(RATE)
• GEOMAGNETISM
• MAGNETIC FIELDS
• MAGNETOHYDRODYNAMICS
• MICROPULSATIONS
• PARTICLES
• PLASMAS(PHYSICS)
• THESES
• VELOCITY
• ATMOSPHERE MODELS

Subject Categories:

• Geomagnetism

Distribution Statement:

APPROVED FOR PUBLIC RELEASE