Plasmapause location under quiet geomagnetic conditions (Kp ≤ 1): THEMIS observations. Issue 18 (30th September 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Kwon, H.‐J.; Kim, K.‐H.; Jee, G.; Park, J.‐S.; Jin, H.; Nishimura, Y.
• Is Part Of: Geophysical research letters. Volume 42:Issue 18(2015:Sep.)
• Page Start: 7303
• Page End: 7310
• Publication Date: 2015-09-30
• Subjects: Geophysics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Periodicals; Lunar geology -- Periodicals; 550
• DOI: 10.1002/2015GL066090
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0094-8276

Abstract

<abstract abstract-type="main" id="grl53484-abs-0001"> <title>Abstract</title> <p id="grl53484-para-0001">We statistically examined the plasmapause location (<italic>L</italic>_pp) under quiet geomagnetic conditions (<italic>K</italic><italic>p</italic> ≤ 1) using the electron density inferred from the Time History of Events and Macroscale Interactions during Substorms (THEMIS) spacecraft potential for 2 year period (2008 and 2009). Five hundred forty‐three <italic>L</italic>_pp samples were identified under steady quiet conditions with <italic>K</italic><italic>p</italic> values ≤ 1 during 12 h prior to the plasmapause crossing. From our large data set, we determined the medians and means of <italic>L</italic>_pp in <italic>L</italic> and magnetic local time (MLT). They are located near geosynchronous orbit and nearly circular. The <italic>L</italic>_pp medians show a slight bulge located in postdusk sector. Comparing with previous models, our median or mean <italic>L</italic>_pp is extended ∼1–2 <italic>L</italic> from the Earth than the model <italic>L</italic>_pp along the local time from 0800 to 2400 MLT. That is, <italic>L</italic>_pp locations in the previous models are underestimated during quiet geomagnetic conditions.</p> </abstract>