Abstract
AbstractThe By component of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) plays an integral part in the coupling of the solar wind‐magnetosphere‐ionosphere system. In this study, we use a suite of magnetospheric spacecraft, with data spanning nearly 25 years, to statistically investigate the control of the IMF By component on the neutral sheet. Past studies have identified that this thin layer of the magnetotail, which separates the oppositely directed magnetotail lobes, responds to reversals in the IMF By component. The proposed method for driving this response is through unequal flux loading in the magnetotail lobes, and we present lobe flow data from the Cluster mission, which suggests that this is indeed the case. We find that the neutral sheet responds in a statistical fashion, with a clear twist or rotation whose orientation depends upon the polarity of the IMF By component. Additionally, under individual analyses, we find the response time of the neutral sheet to IMF By reversals is much shorter than possible through the classical dayside reconnection driven picture. We find an average response time of between 10 and 20 min with little to no dependence on distance downtail. These results suggest that the neutral sheet responds to the IMF By component on multiple timescales.
Highlights
First detected by Ness [1965], using measurements from the IMP 1 satellite, Earth’s neutral sheet separates the tailward directed magnetic field in the southern hemisphere from the earthward field in the northern hemisphere
Its position and configuration vary with local factors, such as the dipole tilt angle, and with the external driving of the solar wind and the embedded interplanetary magnetic field (IMF)
For each magnetospheric magnetic field data point located within the region of interest, the modal IMF clock angle (θ) orientation for the preceding 60 min is determined
Summary
First detected by Ness [1965], using measurements from the IMP 1 satellite, Earth’s neutral sheet separates the tailward directed magnetic field in the southern hemisphere from the earthward field in the northern hemisphere. This relatively thin region of space, located within the plasma sheet, is characterized by a strong cross tail current, a minimum in the total magnetic field intensity, and a reversal in the local Bx magnetic field component [Speiser and Ness, 1967]. Its position and configuration vary with local factors, such as the dipole tilt angle, and with the external driving of the solar wind and the embedded interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) Such factors introduce a warping, bending, and twisting of the neutral sheet [Zhang et al, 2002]. We focus on the effect of the IMF By component on the neutral sheet
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.
