Cluster observations of reconnection due to the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the dawnside magnetospheric flank

oleh: K. Nykyri, A. Otto, B. Lavraud, C. Mouikis, L. M. Kistler, A. Balogh, H. Rème

Format: Article
Diterbitkan: Copernicus Publications 2006-10-01

Deskripsi

On 3 July 2001, the four Cluster satellites traversed along the dawnside magnetospheric flank and observed large variations in all plasma parameters. The estimated magnetopause boundary normals were oscillating in the <i>z</i>-direction and the normal component of the magnetic field showed systematic &nbsp;2&ndash;3 min bipolar variations for 1 h when the IMF had a small positive <i>b<sub>z</sub></i>-component and a Parker-spiral orientation in the <i>x,y</i>-plane. Brief &nbsp;33 s intervals with excellent deHoffman Teller frames were observed satisfying the Walén relation. Detailed comparisons with 2-D MHD simulations indicate that Cluster encountered rotational discontinuities generated by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. We estimate a wave length of &nbsp;6 <i>R<sub>E</sub></i> and a wave vector with a significant <i>z</i>-component.