Cross-tail ion drift in a realistic model magnetotail
Abstract
Integrating the exact equations of motion, we have followed particle orbits in a good model magnetospheric field consisting of a planetary dipole, forward magnetosphere, and magnetotail current system. Proton energies from 2 eV to 20 keV were used for the full range of equatorial pitch angles and phase. Despite considerable pitch angle scattering in the equatorial plane crossings, we find, that the bounce-averaged cross-tail drift velocity is approximately independent of pitch angle. Second, we find that, averaged over initial gyrophase, the drift velocity (due to field curvature and gradient) is proportional to proton energy and is given to good approximation by adiabatic approximations, even up to 20 keV, despite the extreme lack of meeting the adiabatic criteria.
- Publication:
-
Journal of Geophysical Research
- Pub Date:
- December 1984
- DOI:
- 10.1029/JA089iA12p11013
- Bibcode:
- 1984JGR....8911013P
- Keywords:
-
- Geomagnetic Tail;
- Geomagnetism;
- Magnetospheric Ion Density;
- Particle Motion;
- Plasma Drift;
- Drift Rate;
- Equatorial Atmosphere;
- Particle Trajectories