Abstract
Abstract. The flux transfer in the magnetotail plasma sheet is mainly provided by the tail-aligned fast plasma flows (Bursty Bulk Flows – BBFs). In this paper we study the events with a large cross-tail velocity component, including their occurrence and relationship to the standard BBFs. We found out that a significant part of large Vy events are a subgroup connected with the BBFs propagation. The maximal deviation of the velocity vector from the X direction (about 40–50 degrees, on average) is observed near the BBFs' leading front in the sheath, where the fast flow interacts with surrounding plasma. The average variation of the velocity direction in the vicinity of the BBF resembles a plasma vortex. Our results support the model, in which the BBF represents a polarized, bubble-like flux tube, propagating through the plasma sheet.
Highlights
Interest in the fast plasma flows in the magnetospheric plasma sheet has been growing during the last decade
At geocentric distances >15 RE near midnight the flux tube plane lies near the XZ plane, and the velocity direction at the plasma sheet should nearly coincide with the X axis
The variation of the velocity angle resembles the variation expected during the passage of a plasma vortex, which is predicted by the bubble model of fast flows (Pontius and Wolf, 1990; Birn et al, 2004)
Summary
Interest in the fast plasma flows in the magnetospheric plasma sheet has been growing during the last decade This is because the BBFs have probably a close relationship to the magnetic field reconnection in the tail and due to their key role in the magnetotail transfer (Baumjohann et al, 1990; Baumjohann, 2002; Angelopoulos et al, 1994). The results of Baumjohann et al (1990) reveal a considerable Vy velocity component in the fast flows at the distances
Sign-in/Register to view highlights & summary Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
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.
