The MHD structure of the plasmasheet boundary: (1) Tangential momentum balance and consistency with slow mode shocks

摘要: Differences between observations in the near and distant tail MHD simulations have motivated a statistical study of structure plasmasheet boundary tail, utilizing data from AMPTE/IRM spacecraft. The relationship change tangential velocity predicted by Rankine-Hugoniot relations for discontinuity with normal magnetic field measured ∼80 crossings is presented. almost always much less than value. This suggests that either: (1) There not usually component across boundary; combined previous work on pressure balance, this implies discontinuity; or (2) well-modeled as planar, time-stationary discontinuity. very different case deep where slow mode shock tailward neutral line. It agrees simulations, including effects ionosphere, which do shocks earthward These results suggest connection to earth inhibits formation shocks. small subset are consistent identification part shock. may be cases substorm line formed close proximity satellite.