Pressure anisotropy in a static model of the magneto tail
Abstract
The paper considers the static configuration of the quiet magnetotail in the framework of a self-consistent theory of a collisionless anisotropic plasma. It is shown that in this manner, previous calculations for isotropic particle pressure are generalized and completed with regard to recent observations. The particle distribution at the center of the neutral sheet is assumed to be of bi-Maxwellian form. Further, with the assumption that the plasma particles behave adiabatically the invariants of motion are constant along the magnetic field lines. Thus, the kinetic theory gives additional information on the pressure behavior along the field lines. Finally, the approximation that the anisotropy always remains small makes it possible to calculate the particle density, the plasma pressure, and the field components analytically.
- Publication:
-
Kleinheubacher Berichte
- Pub Date:
- 1980
- Bibcode:
- 1980KlBer..23..259F
- Keywords:
-
- Anisotropic Media;
- Atmospheric Models;
- Collisionless Plasmas;
- Geomagnetic Tail;
- Kinetic Theory;
- Lines Of Force;
- Magnetostatics;
- Neutral Sheets;
- Plasma Layers;
- Plasma Pressure;
- Geophysics