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Classification of the tailward drifting magnetic structures in the distant tail
Author(s) -
Nishida A.,
Yamamoto T.,
Tsuruda K.,
Hayakawa H.,
Matsuoka A.,
Kokubun S.,
Nakamura M.,
Kawano H.
Publication year - 1994
Publication title -
geophysical research letters
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 2.007
H-Index - 273
eISSN - 1944-8007
pISSN - 0094-8276
DOI - 10.1029/94gl01421
Subject(s) - plasmoid , physics , magnetic field , magnetic flux , magnetic reconnection , flux (metallurgy) , astrophysics , rope , chemistry , mathematics , organic chemistry , algorithm , quantum mechanics
The magnetic field observed at the neutral sheet crossings in the distant tail at |x| = 200‐210 R e can be classified into three types. At the sharp and isolated crossings (Type A), the B z component is positive on average and the tailward extension of the LLBL seems to be the viable explanation, but the presence of large and IMF‐dependent B y component suggests that the field lines are not closed but are connected to IMF at both ends. When the neutral sheet crossings occur multiple times, Type B or C is observed. Type B is characterized by the bipolar magnetic signature and represents a plasmoid or flux rope. Type C is characterized by magnetic oscillations with typical time scales of a few tens of seconds. These oscillations may represent the magnetic loops or spirals produced by the tearing. In all cases, the direction of the drift motion derived from the electric and magnetic field data is directed predominantly tailward.