Observations of Counter-Streaming Ion Velocity Distributions in LLBL

We analyze ion velocity distributions observed by Interball-Tail at two LLBL crossings under southward and variable magnetosheath magnetic field. These magnetic conditions lead to highly structured LLBL. D-shape ion velocity distributions were observed within LLBL structures along with other reconnection signatures. Another type of the ion velocity distributions observed within LLBL structures consists of two counter-streaming magnetosheath-type components. We consider two possible scenarios that may lead to development of these counterstreaming ion components: reflection of transmitted magnetosheath ions from the ionosphere and creation of these velocity distributions during formation of the LLBL. We argue that observed counter-streaming component could not be due to ionospheric reflection. The observations of these ion velocity distributions are in favor of the multiple reconnections between magnetosheath and magnetospheric flux tubes.