|
Detailed Reference Information |
Behlke, R., André, M., Buchert, S.C., Vaivads, A., Eriksson, A.I., Lucek, E.A. and Balogh, A. (2003). Multi-point electric field measurements of Short Large-Amplitude Magnetic Structures (SLAMS) at the Earth's quasi-parallel bow shock. Geophysical Research Letters 30: doi: 10.1029/2002GL015871. issn: 0094-8276. |
|
We present the first direct measurements of the electric field and plasma density with high resolution in Short Large-Amplitude Magnetic Structures (SLAMS) at a quasi-parallel shock crossing. Cluster observations at the Earth's bow shock confirm the fast-mode structure of SLAMS. Using the four Cluster spacecraft, we determine the velocity of the SLAMS vSLAMS and find that E = -vSLAMS ¿ B. This indicates that locally the SLAMS is moving with the same velocity as the plasma, thus indicating trapping of ions. A small-scale (electron gyroradius) electric field with E ≠ -vSLAMS ¿ B is found at the leading edge of the SLAMS. Downstream of several SLAMS, a wake-like decrease in the plasma density is observed suggesting the three-dimensional structure of SLAMS. The scale length of these SLAMS is of the order, or larger, than the satellite separation of 600 km. |
|
|
|
BACKGROUND DATA FILES |
|
|
Abstract |
|
|
|
|
|
Keywords
Space Plasma Physics, Shock waves, Space Plasma Physics, Nonlinear phenomena, Space Plasma Physics, Waves and instabilities, Space Plasma Physics, Discontinuities |
|
Publisher
American Geophysical Union 2000 Florida Avenue N.W. Washington, D.C. 20009-1277 USA 1-202-462-6900 1-202-328-0566 service@agu.org |
|
|
|