Ring-current plasma in the earth's magnetosphere - A model in comparison with results of the AMPTE CCE experiment
Abstract
A model for the distribution of ion energy density in the ring-current region has been developed which is intended to demonstrate the stationary filling of this region by plasma with an energy density commensurate with the energy density of the geomagnetic field. A comparison of this model with results of the AMPTE CCE experiment confirms the existence of a quiet ring current, and leads to an improved determination of the maximum energy content of the plasma and its composition. The temperature of ring-current ions is of the order of 10 keV; the gradient drift of these ions can produce a ring current with a magnetic moment that has the same direction at the earth's center as the geomagnetic dipole.
- Publication:
-
Kosmicheskie Issledovaniia
- Pub Date:
- May 1987
- Bibcode:
- 1987KosIs..25..426T
- Keywords:
-
- Atmospheric Models;
- Magnetospheric Ion Density;
- Plasma-Electromagnetic Interaction;
- Ring Currents;
- Space Plasmas;
- Spaceborne Experiments;
- Ampte (Satellites);
- Geomagnetism;
- Ion Temperature;
- Plasma Drift;
- Geophysics