Research in Solar-Terrestrial Physics.
Abstract
The primary goal of our research is to understand the physical phenomena which transfer energy from the solar wind to the magnetosphere, which this transport energy within the magnetosphere, and finally which lead to its dissipation in the ionosphere and its return to the solar wind. Our current research projects include three distinct topics: solar wind-magnetosphere coupling, triggering of substorm expansion onsets, and generation of ultra low frequency waves. Our investigation of solar wind-magnetosphere coupling is concerned with establishing how the rate of energy transfer into the magnetosphere depends on bulk parameters of the solar wind. The second topic, triggering of substorm onsets, is concerned with understanding the mechanism whereby solar wind energy stored in the tail lobes is released into the inner magnetoshere. In the model we favor, this release is caused by reconnection of lobe magnetic field at a near-earth neutral line. Our present research is concerned with demonstrating that this process is highly localized, transient, and at times involves multiple neutral lines. The third topic is the study of ultra low frequency waves (ULF) (1-1000 mHz).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jan 25, 1986
- Accession Number
- ADA164504
Entities
People
- R. L. McPherron
Organizations
- University of California, Los Angeles