Abstract

In this paper, the <i>y</i>-component of magnetic field line curvature in the plasma sheet was analyzed, and two kinds of shear structures of the flapping current sheet were found, <i>i.e</i>. symmetric and antisymmetric. The alternating bending orientations of the guiding field are exactly corresponding to alternating north-south asymmetries of the bouncing ion population in the sheet center. Those alternating asymmetric plasma sources consequently induce the current sheet flapping motion as a driver. In addition, a substantial particle population with downward motion was observed in the center of a bifurcated current sheet. This population is identified as the quasi-adiabatic particles, and provides a net current opposite to the conventional cross-tail current.

Full Text
Published version (Free)

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 call