The effect of different resistivity models on magnetotail dynamics

Abstract

Two‐dimensional, time‐dependent MHD simulations of the interaction between the solar wind and the earth's magnetosphere have been performed to study magnetotail dynamics with varying forms of anomalous resistivity. In general, the resulting models conform to the neutral line model proposed for substorms with near‐earth x points and high‐speed tailward flows occurring in the magnetotail. However, in the case where Joule heating is included in the physical description of the system, the near‐earth x point never moves far down tail, and high‐speed tailward flows never stop. Only in the case where there is no Joule heating does the x point move down tail. Simultaneously, the high‐speed tailward flows cease. These results indicate that the mechanism of energy dissipation can have an important effect on reconnection processes and the global magnetospheric dynamics.