A model for thinning of the plasma sheet |
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| Authors: | JK Chao JR Kan ATY Lui S-I Akasofu |
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| Institution: | Cooperative Institute for Research in Environmental Sciences, University of Colorado, Boulder, CO 80302, U.S.A.;Geophysical Institute, University of Alaska, Fairbanks, AK 99701, U.S.A |
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| Abstract: | A one-dimensional model for thinning of the plasma sheet is developed on the basis of launching a fast mode MHD rarefaction wave propagating in the tailward direction along the plasma sheet. Behind the rarefaction wave the pressure is reduced, leading to thinning of the plasma sheet and also to an Earthward plasma flow with a speed on the order of the sound speed a0. The plasma sheet thickness is reduced by a factor of 2 if an Earthward plasma flow speed of 0.8a0 is induced. The predictions of the model are in reasonable agreement with observations. |
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