The Magnetopause Boundary Layer
Abstract
Theoretical models have been developed to describe the structure of, and dynamical processes in the magnetopause current layer and the adjoining low latitude boundary layer (LLBL), including coupling of the latter to the dayside auroral ionosphere. Also a pilot study has been performed to demonstrate how information about magnetopause and boundary layer structure can be extracted from in-situ measurements of magnetic fields and plasma velocities. (1) Simple two-dimensional dynamic models of the LLBL and other shear flows have been developed and used to study the decay of shear layers, and the breakup of driven unstable shear flows, such as the LLBL, into quasisteady vortex rows similar to those observed in the post-noon auroral-zone ionosphere, or into turbulence. A steady-state viscous LLBL model has also generated in which the magnetic field deformation caused by the currents is included in a self consistent manner. (2) A viscous-resistive model of magnetic field annihilation at the magnetopause has been developed which allows for plasma flow along the reconnection line. (3) The structure of resistive and resistive dispersive MHD intermediate shocks has been determined and their possible role as part of the magnetopause structure assessed. (4) Certain geometric and dynamic properties of the magnetopause/LLBL have been extracted from AMPTE/IRM data with special emphasis on magnetic-field reconnection and flux transfer events. (jhd)
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Jun 29, 1990
- Accession Number
- ADA229061
Entities
People
- Bengt U. Sonnerup
- W. Lotko
Organizations
- Dartmouth College