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Detailed Reference Information |
Owen, C.J., Slavin, J.A., Fazakerley, A.N., Dunlop, M.W. and Balogh, A. (2005). Cluster electron observations of the separatrix layer during traveling compression regions. Geophysical Research Letters 32: doi: 10.1029/2004GL021767. issn: 0094-8276. |
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We present Cluster 4-point observations of electrons during traveling compression regions (TCRs) on 19 September 2001. The electron and ∣B∣ signatures vary with distance from the plasma sheet, confirming that transient plasma sheet bulges propagate past Cluster. TCRs with ∣B∣ increases have either no electron signature, or unidirectional ~1 keV electrons at the plasma sheet edge. However, spacecraft initially near the plasma sheet edge are engulfed within the bulge and observe a diamagnetic reduction in ∣B∣. In cases where the underlying plasma sheet bulge moves earthward, electrons at the plasma sheet edge stream tailward. We suggest this represents either a remote observation of electrons closing the Hall current system in an ion diffusion region located farther tailward, or the outflow jets along the separatrix formed by a second neutral line located farther earthward of the spacecraft. The latter case implies the simultaneous action of multiple X-lines in the near-Earth tail. |
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Abstract![](/images/icons/spacer.gif) |
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Keywords
Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetic reconnection (7526, 7835), Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetospheric configuration and dynamics, Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetotail, Magnetospheric Physics, Plasma sheet, Magnetospheric Physics, Substorms |
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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 |
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