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arXiv · 1304.1412

Rotational/ Compressional nature of the Magnetopause: application of the BV technique on a magnetopause case study

Nicolas Dorville·Gérard Belmont·Laurence Rezeau·Roland Grappin·Alessandro Retinò
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Abstract

The magnetopause boundary implies two kinds of variations: a density/ temperature gradient and a magnetic field rotation. These two kinds are always observed in a close vicinity of each other, if not inseparably mixed. We present a case study from the Cluster data where the two are clearly separated and investigate the natures of both layers. We evidence that the first one is a slow shock while the second is a rotational discontinuity. The interaction between these two kinds of discontinuities is then studied with the help of 1,5-D magnetohydrodynamics simulations. The comparison with the data is quite positive and leads to think that most of the generic properties of the magnetopause may be interpreted in this sense.

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Nicolas Dorville, Gérard Belmont, Laurence Rezeau, Roland Grappin, Alessandro Retinò. 2013-04-04. Rotational/ Compressional nature of the Magnetopause: application of the BV technique on a magnetopause case study. https://doi.org/10.1002/2013ja018927

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