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A two-dimensional model of the plasmasphere - Refilling time constantsA 2D model of the plasmasphere has been developed to study the temporal evolution of plasma density in the equatorial plane of the magnetosphere. This model includes the supply and loss of hydrogen ions due to ionosphere-magnetosphere coupling as well as the effects of E x B convection. A parametric model describing the required coupling fluxes has been developed which utilizes empirical models of the neutral atmosphere, the ionosphere and the saturated plasmasphere. The plasmaspheric model has been used to examine the time it takes for the plasmasphere to refill after it has been depleted by a magnetic storm. The time it takes for the plasmasphere to reach 90 percent of its equilibrium level ranges from 3 days at L = 3 during solar minimum to as high as 100 days at L = 5 during solar maximum. Refilling is also dependent on the month of the year, with refilling requiring a longer period of time at solar maximum during June than during December for L greater than 3.2.
Document ID
19930047895
Acquisition Source
Legacy CDMS
Document Type
Reprint (Version printed in journal)
Authors
Rasmussen, Craig E.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Guiter, Steven M.
(NASA Headquarters Washington, DC United States)
Thomas, Steven G.
(Michigan Univ. Ann Arbor, United States)
Date Acquired
August 16, 2013
Publication Date
January 1, 1993
Publication Information
Publication: Planetary and Space Science
Volume: 41
Issue: 1
ISSN: 0032-0633
Subject Category
Geophysics
Accession Number
93A31892
Funding Number(s)
CONTRACT_GRANT: NSF ATM-91-16858
CONTRACT_GRANT: NGT-50368
CONTRACT_GRANT: NAGW-2162
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Other

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