Published in

European Geosciences Union, Annales Geophysicae, 11(26), p. 3375-3387, 2008

DOI: 10.5194/angeo-26-3375-2008

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Observations of vortex-like structure in the cusp-magnetosheath region during northward IMF orientation

Journal article published in 2008 by O. Tkachenko, J. Šafránková, Z. Němeček, J. Šimůnek, L. Přech ORCID
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.
This paper is made freely available by the publisher.

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Abstract

Abstract. Two-point observations made by the Interball spacecraft pair unveiled a presence of a large vortex-like structure filled by slow and heated plasma in the outer cusp during periods of the positive BZ interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) component. We have observed the rotation of the magnetic field and the decrease of its magnitude connected with the presence of a hot plasma population inside the vortex. The structure starts with a clear reversal of the plasma flow caused by reconnection tailward of the cusp that turns a part of the magnetosheath plasma into the cusp. We compare the observations of two spacecraft in detail, discuss the differences between them and suggest the way of a formation such structure. Moreover, the statistical results have confirmed that this phenomenon is probably a regular feature of the high-altitude cusp, however, this relatively small structure cannot be observed too often. The alternative explanation of presented observations as a flapping of the magnetopause is taken into account and discussed.