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On the thermodynamics of the plasma sheetThe present study reinvestigates the evidence for nonadiabatic transport in the quiet central plasma sheet, using AMPTE IRM data from the plasma sheet boundary layer and active times selected on the basis of large AE values. It is found that as the plasma is transported from the plasma sheet boundary layer into the central plasma sheet, both its temperature and its density (n) increase. The plasma obeys the relation p varies as n exp 4/3 for quiet times (AE is less than 100 nT) and p varies as n exp 5/3 for AE greater than 300 nT. The temperature in the quiet plasma sheet is usually less than 6 keV, and high-temperature values are more likely to be observed in what is defined as the active plasma sheet. It is suggested that the plasma sheet contains a mixture of high-entropy 'bubbles' and low-entropy 'blobs.' It is argued that these either merge or are lost from the tail before they are convected into the near-earth tail.
Document ID
19920034377
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Baumjohann, W.
(Max-Planck-Institut fuer extraterrestrische Physik Garching, Federal Republic of Germany, United States)
Goertz, C. K.
(Max-Planck-Inst. fuer Extraterrestrische Physik Garching, Germany)
Date Acquired
August 15, 2013
Publication Date
December 1, 1991
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 96
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
92A17001
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-970
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSG-7632
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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