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, MATTEO
Primo
;
CALIFANO, FRANCESCO
Co-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 directly
2014
Faganello, Matteo; Califano, Francesco; Pegoraro, Francesco; A., Retino'
File in questo prodotto:
Non ci sono file associati a questo prodotto.

I documenti in IRIS sono protetti da copyright e tutti i diritti sono riservati, salvo diversa indicazione.

Utilizza questo identificativo per citare o creare un link a questo documento: https://hdl.handle.net/11568/649067
Citazioni
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.pmc??? ND
  • Scopus 22
  • ???jsp.display-item.citation.isi??? 22
social impact