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Theoretical interpretation of the observed interplanetary magnetic field radial variation in the outer solar systemObservations of the azimuthal component of the IMF are evaluated through the use of an MHD model which shows the effect of magnetic flux tubes opening in the outer solar system. It is demonstrated that the inferred meridional transport of magnetic flux is consistent with predictions by the MHD model. The computed azimuthal and radial magnetic flux deficits are almost identical to the observations. It is suggested that the simplest interpretation of the observations is that meridional flows are created by a direct body force on the plasma. This is consistent with the analytic model of Nerney and Suess (1975), in which such flux deficits in the IMF arise naturally from the meridional gradient in the spiralling field.
Document ID
19850051368
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Suess, S. T.
(NASA Marshall Space Flight Center Space Science Laboratory, Huntsville, AL, United States)
Thomas, B. T.
(California Institute of Technology, Jet Propulsion Laboratory, Pasadena CA, United States)
Nerney, S. F.
(U.S. Naval Postgraduate School Monterey, CA, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1985
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 90
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Accession Number
85A33519
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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