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Boundary layers of the earth's outer magnetosphereThe magnetospheric boundary layer and the plasma-sheet boundary layer are the primary boundary layers of the earth's outer magnetosphere. Recent satellite observations indicate that they provide for more than 50 percent of the plasma and energy transport in the outer magnetosphere although they constitute less than 5 percent by volume. Relative to the energy density in the source regions, plasma in the magnetospheric boundary layer is predominantly deenergized whereas plasma in the plasma-sheet boundary layer has been accelerated. The reconnection hypothesis continues to provide a useful framework for comparing data sampled in the highly dynamic magnetospheric environment. Observations of 'flux transfer events' and other detailed features near the boundaries have been recently interpreted in terms of nonsteady-state reconnection. Alternative hypotheses are also being investigated. More work needs to be done, both in theory and observation, to determine whether reconnection actually occurs in the magnetosphere and, if so, whether it is important for overall magnetospheric dynamics.
Document ID
19850061377
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Eastman, T. E.
(Iowa Univ. Iowa City, IA, United States)
Frank, L. A.
(Iowa, University Iowa City, United States)
Date Acquired
August 12, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1984
Subject Category
Geophysics
Meeting Information
Meeting: Magnetic reconnection in space and laboratory plasmas
Location: Los Alamos, NM
Start Date: October 3, 1983
End Date: October 7, 1983
Accession Number
85A43528
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-26257
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAG2-95
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGL-16-001-002
CONTRACT_GRANT: N00014-76-C-0016
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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