Abstract
[1] We present a Cluster spacecraft investigation of plasma sheet-confined waves and the associated Poynting flux in strong ion jets near a reconnection region in the geomagnetic tail at ∼−17 Re. Using phase lag analysis, we determine from multispacecraft measurements the phase front, wavelength, and phase velocity of the waves with spacecraft frame frequencies from 0.03 Hz to 1 Hz. The wave phase velocities were found to be directed nearly perpendicular to the local magnetic field laying in the plasma sheet plane. The strong evidence that the waves were driven by ion velocity shears has been provided. The waves are confined by the plasma sheet and their amplitude diminishes in the tail lobes. The δE/δB ratios are mostly on the order of the Alfven speed. The observed wave characteristics are different from plasma sheet flapping observed at the same time. The field-aligned Poynting flux was found to be directed away from the reconnection region. The values of earthward Poynting flux (100 ergs/cm2s or 0.1 W/m2) and longitudinal scales (10–100 km) mapped to the auroral ionosphere suggest that the observed waves may provide energy needed to accelerate auroral particles and may drive observed motions in auroral curls.
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a callDisclaimer: All third-party content on this website/platform is and will remain the property of their respective owners and is provided on "as is" basis without any warranties, express or implied. Use of third-party content does not indicate any affiliation, sponsorship with or endorsement by them. Any references to third-party content is to identify the corresponding services and shall be considered fair use under The CopyrightLaw.
