Modeling the growth phase of a substorm using the Tsyganenko Model and multi‐spacecraft observations: CDAW‐9 Journal Article uri icon

Overview

abstract

  • The CDAW‐9 Event C focused upon the early part of 3 May 1986 when a large substorm onset occurred at 0111 UT. By modifying the Tsyganenko 1989 magnetic field model, we construct a model in which the near‐Earth current systems are enhanced with time to describe the observed development of the tail magnetic field during the growth phase. The cross‐tail current intensity and the thickness of the current sheet are determined by comparison with three spacecraft in the near‐Earth tail. The location of the auroral bulge as recorded by the Viking imager is mapped to the equatorial current sheet. The degree of chaotization of the thermal electrons is estimated, and the consequences to the tail stability towards ion tearing are discussed. We conclude that the mapping of the brightening region in the auroral oval corresponds to the regions in the tail where the current sheet may be unstable towards ion tearing.

publication date

  • November 1, 1991

Date in CU Experts

  • February 20, 2014 6:57 AM

Full Author List

  • Pulkkinen TI; Baker DN; Fairfield DH; Pellinen RJ; Murphree JS; Elphinstone RD; McPherron RL; Fennell JF; Lopez RE; Nagai T

author count

  • 10

Other Profiles

International Standard Serial Number (ISSN)

  • 0094-8276

Electronic International Standard Serial Number (EISSN)

  • 1944-8007

Additional Document Info

start page

  • 1963

end page

  • 1966

volume

  • 18

issue

  • 11