Please use this identifier to cite or link to this item: http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/27534

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Title
Heavy ion mass loading of the geomagnetic field near the plasmapause and ULF wave implications
Author/Creator
Fraser, B. J.;  Horwitz, J. L.;  Slavin, J. A.;  Dent, Z. C.;  Mann, I. R.
Description
The structure of the density discontinuity across the plasmapause is often based on electron and H+ density profiles with the contribution of heavy ions (He+, O+ etc) neglected. Electron and ion density measurements in this region may differ significantly due to the presence of heavy ions and it is important for the intercomparison of different datasets to understand these differences. Dynamics Explorer (DE-1) magnetic field and plasma composition data have been used to compare heavy ion responses across the plasmapause and to calculate the mass loaded ion density (ρ) profiles. To illustrate this we investigate mass loading through radial profile variations in the Alfven velocity (VA). Results show that the gradient in ρ and VA across the plasmapause is modified when mass loading due to multiple heavy ion species is included, particularly in the presence of the O+ torus. Application to ultra-low frequency (ULF) field line resonance is used as an example where the contribution from heavy ions smoothes out the expected ULF wave resonant frequency discontinuity at the plasmapause.
Relation
Geophysical Research Letters Vol. 32, Issue 4
Publisher Link
http://dx.doi.org/10.1029/2004GL021315
Date
2005
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
Keyword(s)
magnetosphere physics;  plasmasphere;  plasmatrough;  ULF wave
Resource Type
journal article
Identifier
http://hdl.handle.net/1959.13/27534
Identifier
ISSN:0094-8276
Reviewed
Reviewed
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Subject
"Geophysical Research Letters"
 
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