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Detailed Reference Information
Owen et al. 2005
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.

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.

BACKGROUND DATA FILES

Abstract

Keywords
Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetic reconnection (7526, 7835), Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetospheric configuration and dynamics, Magnetospheric Physics, Magnetotail, Magnetospheric Physics, Plasma sheet, Magnetospheric Physics, Substorms
Journal
Geophysical Research Letters
http://www.agu.org/journals/gl/
Publisher
American Geophysical Union
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