Observational signatures of Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) vortices and of double midlatitude reconnection are highlighted in satellite data of the THEMIS mission. It is shown that the plasma fluid quantities at the low-latitude flank of the Earth’s magnetosphere are compatible with K-H vortices, as described by three-dimensional simulations. At the same time it is shown that the particle fluxes are compatible with the presence of magnetic-field lines, embedded in the K-H vortices, that close on Earth but are connected to the solar wind at low latitude. These field lines are generated during the K-H evolution by magnetic reconnection proceeding spontaneously in both hemispheres at mid-latitudes, allowing the solar-wind plasma to enter the Earth’s magnetosphere directly
Kelvin-Helmholtz vortices and double mid-latitude reconnection at the Earth’s magnetopause: Comparison between observations and simulations
FAGANELLO, MATTEOPrimo
;CALIFANO, FRANCESCOCo-primo
;PEGORARO, FRANCESCO;
2014-01-01
Abstract
Observational signatures of Kelvin-Helmholtz (K-H) vortices and of double midlatitude reconnection are highlighted in satellite data of the THEMIS mission. It is shown that the plasma fluid quantities at the low-latitude flank of the Earth’s magnetosphere are compatible with K-H vortices, as described by three-dimensional simulations. At the same time it is shown that the particle fluxes are compatible with the presence of magnetic-field lines, embedded in the K-H vortices, that close on Earth but are connected to the solar wind at low latitude. These field lines are generated during the K-H evolution by magnetic reconnection proceeding spontaneously in both hemispheres at mid-latitudes, allowing the solar-wind plasma to enter the Earth’s magnetosphere directlyI documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.