太阳风向磁层输入电磁能量研究

利用全球磁流体力学（MHD）模拟结果,通过确立包含磁层顶的太阳风流线内边界来识别三维磁层顶位形,并以极尖区位置作为磁层顶日侧与夜侧的分界线,在此基础上定量研究了不同条件下穿过磁层顶向磁层内输入的电磁能量. 研究发现,磁层顶的能量传输与太阳风条件密切相关,磁重联是控制电磁能量传输的重要机制. 结果表明,当IMF（行星际磁场）南向时,极尖区后方的磁尾附近存在电磁能输入最大值,当IMF北向时,电磁能输入最大值发生在极尖区附近;南向IMF条件下,在IMF强度增大或太阳风密度增大时,磁层顶电磁能传输的电磁能量比北向IMF条件时增加更显著. 太阳风通过调节磁层顶面积间接影响到磁层顶能量传输大小. 研究还发现,北向IMF与南向IMF条件下穿过磁层顶的电磁能输入的比值范围约为10%～30%,此比值一定程度上反映了北、南方向IMF与地磁场磁重联效率的比值.      

Dayside reconnection during IMF northward: A possible foreshock effect

The northward and southward orientation of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) is usually considered as providing the external boundary conditions in the solar wind interaction with the Earth's magnetopause but it is the magnetic field in the magnetosheath that interacts with the Earth's magnetic field. In this paper, we consider the possibility that the wave activity in the foreshock region may affect the magnetic field orientation in the magnetosheath with time scales that might be geomagnetically effective. If magnetosheath magnetic field becomes disturbed on plasma streamlines which are connected to the quasi-parallel bow shock and foreshock, the magnetic field orientation on the inner magnetosheath may differ significantly from the undisturbed IMF. We present a model of dayside reconnection which may occur when the IMF northward and illustrate its effects on the erosion of the magnetopause.     

极端太阳风条件下的磁层顶位形

基于极端太阳风条件下的三维MHD数值模拟数据, 构建了一种极端太阳风条件下的三维非对称磁层顶位形模型. 所提出的模型考虑了行星际南向磁场(IMF) B_z日下点距离侵蚀的饱和效应, 太阳风动压B_d对磁层顶张角影响的饱和效应, 赤道面、昼夜子午面磁层顶的不对称性以及极尖区的内凹结构和内凹中心的移动, 并利用Levenberg-Marquart多参量非线性拟合方法拟合了模型参数. 数值模拟研究表明, 在极端太阳风条件下, 随B_d增大, 磁层顶日下点距离减小, 磁层顶磁尾张角几乎不变; 随南向(IMF)B_z增大, 磁层顶日下点距离略有减小, 磁层顶磁尾张角减小, 极尖区内凹中心向低纬移动. 通过对2010年8月1日太阳风暴事件验证发现, 本文所建立的模型能够描述极端太阳风条件下的三维磁层顶位形.      

行星际磁场北向时磁层顶区磁场重联的全球模式

在对背阳面磁层顶区局域磁场重联模拟的基础上提出了一个行星际磁场北向时磁层顶磁场重联的全球模式。行星际磁场北向时碰层顶磁场重联导致近地尾瓣的能量被输送到远磁尾,太阳风能量不在磁尾储存,向阳面磁层顶变厚,磁层受到一系列扰动。      

Interconnection of high-latitude and low-latitude boundary layers when IMF BY is dominant

The antiparallel merging model places the location of the reconnection region for a dominant interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B_Y at high latitudes at the dayside magnetopause and predicts that the low-latitude boundary layer (LLBL) is located on open field lines of the magnetospheric flanks. Interball-1 data obtained in the wide local time range near the low-latitude magnetopause makes it possible to analyze the LLBL plasma population and to find a link between possible reconnection at high latitudes and LLBL occurrence. We found that no boundary layer was observed in the regions which have no topological connection with the merging site. All cases of LLBL observations are located downstream from a specific boundary. This boundary coincides with the first magnetospheric field line touching the reconnection region and can be located in a wide local time region depending on the instant IMF direction. Even the LLBL on closed field lines shows the tendency to be concentrated in the vicinity of this boundary. Thus we show that all types of observed LLBLs are linked to reconnection sites predicted by the antiparallel merging model.     

The magnetopause erosion and the magnetosheath magnetic field penetration into the dayside magnetosphere

The earthward displacement of the magnetopause observed during a southward IMF (or the magnetopause erosion) and its dependence on the solar wind plasma and magnetic field parameters is studied by investigating data of about 30 magnetopause crossings by the ISEE 1 and 2 spacecraft. It is shown that the magnetopause erosion may be explained by a depression of the magnetic field intensity in the dayside magnetosphere caused by the penetration of the magnetosheath magnetic field (component perpendicular to the reconnection line) into the magnetosphere. The penetration coefficient (the ratio of the intensity of the penetrated field to the intensity of the magnetosheath magnetic field) is estimated and found to equal approximately 1.     

行星际磁场时钟角与地球磁层开放磁通的关系

地球磁层开放磁通F_pc是研究磁层动力学过程的重要参数之一,其与日侧和夜侧磁尾的磁场重联具有密切关系. 日侧重联率控制稳定状态下磁层开放磁通的大小,主要受各种太阳风条件的影响. 其中,行星际磁场（IMF）的时钟角是影响日侧重联率的一个重要因素. 通过全球MHD模拟,研究了行星际磁场时钟角θ_c与地球磁层开放磁通F_pc 之间的关系. 结果表明,开放磁通F_pc随着行星际磁场时钟角 θ_c逐渐接近180°（纯南向）而逐渐增加,两者之间的关系近似为F_pc∝sin3/2（θ_c/2）. 由于表征行星际磁场与地球磁场剪切程度的θ_c影响日侧重联率,从而控制F_pc,该关系反映了二者之间的物理联系.      

Plasma flow across the cusp-magnetosheath boundary under northward IMF

In this paper, we have used two closely spaced (INTERBALL-1 and MAGION-4) satellites orbiting in the region adjacent to the magnetopause with motivation to determine the structure of the cusp-magnetosheath boundary under steady solar wind conditions and under the northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Two-point observations reveal that a steady reconnection takes place tailward of the cusp and the position of the reconnection site moves in accordance with the actual IMF direction. Reconnection produces a latitudinally dispersed cusp precipitation with highest energies in the cusp poleward edge. The reconnection site is widely spread in local time and thus changes of the IMF By component only slightly modulate observed patterns. The change of the plasma flow direction suggests the presence of the vortex-like structure in the exterior cusp.     

The plasma sheet and boundary layers under northward IMF: A multi-point and multi-instrument perspective

During conditions of northward interplanetary magnetic field (IMF), the near-tail plasma sheet is known to become denser and cooler, and is described as the cold-dense plasma sheet (CDPS). While its source is likely the solar wind, the prominent penetration mechanisms are less clear. The two main candidates are solar wind direct capture via double high-latitude reconnection on the dayside and Kelvin–Helmholtz/diffusive processes at the flank magnetopause. This paper presents a case study on the formation of the CDPS utilizing a wide variety of space- and ground-based observations, but primarily from the Double Star and Polar spacecraft on December 5th, 2004. The pertinent observations can be summarized as follows: TC-1 observes quasi-periodic (∼2 min period) cold-dense boundary layer (compared to a hot-tenuous plasma sheet) signatures interspersed with magnetosheath plasma at the dusk flank magnetopause near the dawn-dusk terminator. Analysis of this region suggests the boundary to be Kelvin–Helmholtz unstable and that plasma transport is ongoing across the boundary. At the same time, IMAGE spacecraft and ground based SuperDARN measurements provide evidence of high-latitude reconnection in both hemispheres. The Polar spacecraft, located in the southern hemisphere afternoon sector, sunward of TC-1, observes a persistent boundary layer with no obvious signature of boundary waves. The plasma is of a similar appearance to that observed by TC-1 inside the boundary layer further down the dusk flank, and by TC-2 in the near-Earth magnetotail. We present comparisons of electron phase space distributions between the spacecraft. Although the dayside boundary layer at Polar is most likely formed via double high-altitude reconnection, and is somewhat comparable to the flank boundary layer at Double Star, some differences argue in favour of additional transport that augment solar wind plasma entry into the tail regions.     

Magnetospheric Boundary Layer Structure and Dynamics as Seen From Cluster and Double Star Measurements

In this review, we discuss the structure and dynamics of the magnetospheric Low-Latitude Boundary Layer (LLBL) based on recent results from multi-satellite missions Cluster and Double Star. This boundary layer, adjacent to the magnetopause on the magnetospheric side, usually consists of a mixture of plasma of magnetospheric and magnetosheath origins, and plays an important role in the transfer of mass and energy from the solar wind into the magnetosphere and subsequent magnetospheric dynamics. During southward Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) conditions, this boundary layer is generally considered to be formed as a result of the reconnection process between the IMF and magnetospheric magnetic field lines at the dayside magnetopause, and the structure and plasma properties inside the LLBL can be understood in terms of the time history since the reconnection process. During northward IMF conditions, the LLBL is usually thicker, and has more complex structure and topology. Recent observations confirm that the LLBL observed at the dayside can be formed by single lobe reconnection, dual lobe reconnection, or by sequential dual lobe reconnection, as well as partially by localized cross-field diffusion. The LLBL magnetic topology and plasma signatures inside the different sub-layers formed by these processes are discussed in this review. The role of the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability in the formation of the LLBL at the flank magnetopause is also discussed. Overall, we conclude that the LLBL observed at the flanks can be formed by the combination of processes, (dual) lobe reconnection and plasma mixing due to non-linear Kelvin-Helmholtz waves.      

The response of the Hermean magnetosphere to the interplanetary magnetic field

The interaction between the solar wind and Mercury is anticipated to be unique because of Mercury’s relatively weak intrinsic magnetic field and tenuous neutral exosphere. In this paper the role of the IMF in determining the structure of the Hermean magnetosphere is studied using a new self-consistent three-dimensional quasi-neutral hybrid model. A comparison between a pure northward and southward IMF shows that the general morphology of the magnetic field, the position and shape of the bow shock and the magnetopause as well as the density and velocity of the solar wind in the magnetosheath and in the magnetosphere are quite similar in these two IMF situations. A Parker spiral IMF case, instead, produces a magnetosphere with a substantial north–south asymmetric plasma and magnetic field configuration. In general, this study illustrates quantitatively the role of IMF when the solar wind interacts with a weakly magnetised planetary body.     

Effect of the Interplanetary Electric Field on the Magnetopause From Global MHD Simulations

The north-south component B_z of the Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) and solar wind dynamic pressure P_d are generally treated as the two main factors in the solar wind that determine the geometry of the magnetosphere. By using the 3D global MHD simulations, we investigate the effect of the Interplanetary Electric Field (IEF) on the size and shape of magnetopause quantitatively. Our numerical experiments confirm that the geometry of the magnetopause are mainly determined by P_dB_z, as expected. However, the dawn-dusk IEFs have great impact on the magnetopause erosion because of the magnetic reconnection, thus affecting the size and shape of the magnetopause. Higher solar wind speed with the same B_z will lead to bigger dawn-dusk IEFs, which means the higher reconnection rate, and then results in more magnetic flux removal from the dayside. Consequently, the dayside magnetopause moves inward and flank magnetopause moves outward.      

上游太阳风中高能电子向同步轨道区的传输

通常认为，同步轨道区的电子通量增加是由于磁暴或者上游太阳风高速流的扰动所引起．近来的观测表明，起源于太阳活动的行星际高能电子也是引起同步轨道电子通量增加的重要原因之一．Zhao等在研究2000年7月14日太阳剧烈活动时发现，同步轨道区相对论电子通量巨幅增加时没有观察到上游太阳风高速流的扰动，并且磁暴发生在电子通量事件之后．采用解析磁场模型和实际磁场模型(T96模型)模拟来自太阳的相对论电子在磁尾中的运动特性．计算结果表明，当行星际磁场南向时，进入到磁尾的行星际相对论电子可以从较远的磁尾区域运动到同步轨道区域．这一研究结果从理论上论证了起源于太阳活动的高能电子可以对同步轨道区相对论电子通量的增加产生重要的作用．     

三维试验粒子轨道法在磁层粒子全球输运中的应用

根据磁层粒子动力学理论, 通过偶极磁场模型验证利用三维试验粒子轨道方法模拟近地球区(r < 8R_e)带电粒子运动特征的可靠性. 在此基础上, 以太阳风和磁层相互作用的全球MHD模拟结果为背景, 利用三维试验粒子轨道方法, 对非磁暴期间南向行星际磁场背景下太阳风离子注入磁层的情形进行数值模拟, 并对北向行星际磁场背景下太阳风离子注入极尖区以及内磁层的几种不同情形进行了单粒子模拟. 模拟结果反映了南向和北向行星际磁场离子向磁层的几种典型输入过程, 揭示出行星际磁场南向时太阳风粒子在磁层内密度分布的晨昏不对称性以及其在磁鞘和磁层内的大致分布, 并得出统计规律. 模拟结果与理论预测和观测结论相一致, 且通过数值模拟发现, 行星际磁场北向时靠近极尖区附近形成的非典型磁镜结构对于能量粒子经由极尖区注入环电流区域过程有重要的影响和作用.      

Field-aligned currents and related phenomena in the cusp

This review deals with observations of field-aligned currents (FAC) based on measurements of magnetic and electrical fields, particle fluxes (0.2–15 keV) and plasma parameters, provided by the INTERCOSMOS BULGARIA-1300 satellite. Special attention is paid to the cusp sector (10–14 MLT). The current regions inferred from the satellite magnetometer are compared with the charecteristics of the dayside oval and the cusp derived from a variety of parameters. Our topics are as follows: penetration of region 1 in the cusp; FAC reversals and plasma convection; thermal plasma structure and collocation of FAC; Associations with the IMF components etc.     

Evidence for ion energy dispersion in the polar cusp related to a northward-directed IMF

Data from the particle experiment aboard the AUREOL-3 polar satellite show that about 30% of the summer cusp crossings are characterised by a clear latitudinal energy dispersion of the solar wind ions. This energy-latitude correlation is observed at very high latitudes, 80° – 85°, near the polar boundary of the cusp, as an increase of the ion average energy with latitude. These structures have a typical latitude extent of 1° – 2° at ionospheric heights and correspond to a northward-directed IMF. These observations are consistent with a sunward convection of the foot of the magnetic flux tubes recently merged with a northward directed interplanetary magnetic field.     

A Theoretic Interpretation of Movement of the Cusp Equatorward Boundary

A preliminary model is proposed to describe quantitatively the position and movement of cusp equatorward boundary. This integrated model, consisting of an empirical model of the magnetopause and a compressed dipolar model of Open/Closed field line, connects quantitatively the solar wind conditions, subsolar magnetopause and cusp equatorward boundary. It is shown that the increasing solar wind dynamic pressure and the increasing southward Interplanetary Magnetic Field (IMF) component drive the magnetopause to move inward and the cusp equatorward. This model is adopted to interpret quantitatively the cusp movement of August 14, 2001 observed by Cluster. The results show that the subsolar magnetopause moved earthward from 10.7 He to 9.0 Re during the period of 002300-002800 UT, and correspondingly the cusp equatorward boundary shifted equatorward. The observations of Cluster C1 and C4 show the cusp equatorward boundary that Cluster Cl and C4 were crossing during same interval moved equatorward by 4.6°. The cusp equatorward boundary velocity computed in the theoretical model (10.7km/s) is in good agreement with the observed value (9.4km/s) calculated from the data of CIS of Cluster C4 and C1.     

The accuracy of present models of the high altitude polar magnetosphere

The Polar satellite has explored the high-latitude, high-latitude magnetosphere out to 9 Earth radii (Re). The magnetic field data returned from this mission can be used both to provide data for new empirical models and to test existing models. Tests include comparing the observed location of the polar cusp with its position in the empirical models and comparing the strength of the magnetic field in the surrounding region. Near the cusp the magnetosphere is quite sensitive to solar wind conditions. In particular the energy density of the cusp plasma depends on the pressure of the solar wind applied to the interface of the cusp and the sheath. The applied pressure in turn depends on the shape of the magnetopause and the orientation of that interface, both controlled by the direction of the interplanetary magnetic field. Magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) models provide a coarse picture of the magnetosphere at high latitudes. While generally quite realistic, these too require testing against observations because even the MHD models must make some simplifying assumptions.     

磁鞘快速流引起的磁层顶凹陷事件

最近研究表叽磁层顶凹陷对磁层-电离层耦合具有重要作用.但是,磁层顶凹陷现象的确认需要多颗卫星的联合观测,目前为止报道的磁层顶凹陷事例非常少.本文利用THEMIS 5颗卫星的联合观测结果,分析了一例由磁鞘快速流引起的磁层顶凹陷事件.2007年7月21日10:00UT-10:45UT,位于日下点磁层顶附近的THEMIS卫星...     

磁层顶对磁层磁场的影响

太阳风与地磁场相互作用形成的磁层顶对磁层内磁场有重要影响。本文假定地磁场为偶极子,太阳风为理想导体,在太阳风与磁层的边界上满足磁场法向分量为零的边界条件。采用最小二乘法求得磁层顶电流在磁层内产生的磁场的球谐系数。从计算结果可以看出磁层顶对磁层磁场的影响。结果表明,向阳面的磁场、中性点、极光区的位置与形状与实际观测比较接近;磁尾磁场与实际观测相差较远,原因是没有加上磁尾片电流。文中还给出了太阳风与地磁轴交不同角度时的磁层磁场的计算结果。