ISEE observations of the magnetopause - Reconnection and the energy balance

The total energy balance for two events with the objective of obtaining check on the interpretation in terms of reconnection is examined. To within experimental uncertainties, the plasma and magnetic field data are consistent with reconnection. An enthalpy increase comparable to the kinetic energy increase occurs in the magnetopause. Thus substantial dissipation is present in the rotational discontinuity. An ion heat flow associated with a beam of reflected magnetosheath particles carried away some 20 percent of the total converted electromagnetic energy.