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Extreme energetic particle decreases near geostationary orbit - A manifestation of current diversion within the inner plasma sheetA qualitative model of magnetic field reconfiguration as might result from neutral line formation in the central plasma sheet late in a substorm growth phase is considered. It is suggested that magnetic reconnection probably begins before the substorm expansion phase and that cross-tail current is enhanced across the plasma sheet both earthward and tailward of a limited region near the neutral line. Such an enhanced cross-tail current earthward of the original X line region may contribute to thinning the plasma sheet substantially, and this would in turn affect the drift currents in that location, thus enhancing the current even closer toward the earth. In this way a redistribution and progressive diversion of normal cross-tail current throughout much of the inner portion of the plasma sheet could occur. The resulting intensified current, localized at the inner edge of the plasma sheet, would lead to a very thin plasma confinement region. This would explain the very taillike field and extreme particle dropouts often seen late in substorm growth phases.
Document ID
19900047760
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Baker, D. N.
(NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Mcpherron, R. L.
(California, University Los Angeles, United States)
Date Acquired
August 14, 2013
Publication Date
May 1, 1990
Publication Information
Publication: Journal of Geophysical Research
Volume: 95
ISSN: 0148-0227
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
90A34815
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAS5-26852
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-87-21904
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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