Irregular structure of thermal ion plasma near the plasmapause observed from Ogo 3 and Pc 1 measurements.

Independent measurements of the plasmapause and associated thermal plasma structure from Ogo 3 are compared with ground-based Pc 1 observations from the period 1966-67. Substantial agreement between the plasmapause crossing identified on the satellite and the Pc 1 occurrence positions observed on the ground at midlatitudes during the nighttime (including dawn and dusk) indicates that these nighttime Pc 1 events are closely associated with the plasmapause. A correlation of selected closely spaced events obtained in the nighttime under quiet to moderate activity provides good agreement in the proton concentrations near the plasmapause boundary. Preliminary results indicate Pc 1 excitation is associated with plasma irregularities near the plasmapause and is particularly favorable in the region of 'post-storm recovery' and in the region of diurnal 'plasma bulge' in the afternoon-dusk sector.