The role of ionospheric O+ outflow in the generation of earthward propagating plasmoids. Issue 2 (29th February 2016)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Zhang, B.; Brambles, O. J.; Lotko, W.; Ouellette, J. E.; Lyon, J. G.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 121:Issue 2(2016:Feb.)
• Page Start: 1425
• Page End: 1435
• Publication Date: 2016-02-29
• Subjects: ionospheric outflow -- global simulations -- magnetic reconnection -- magnetotail -- plasmoids; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1002/2015JA021667
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: Earthward propagating plasmoids in the Earth's magnetotail have been observed by satellites. Using a multifluid global magnetosphere simulation, earthward propagating plasmoids are reproduced when ionospheric O + outflow is included in the global simulation. Controlled simulations show that without ionospheric outflow, the plasmoids generated in the magnetotail during a substorm‐steady magnetospheric convection cycle only propagate tailward. With ionospheric outflow, earthward plasmoids can be induced through the modification of magnetotail reconnection at multiple X lines. When multiple X lines form in the magnetotail, plasmoids may be trapped between multiple reconnection sites. When magnetic reconnection rate is reduced at the near‐Earth X line by the presence of ionospheric O +, the earthward exhaust flow of reconnection occurring at the midtail X line forces the plasmoid to propagate earthward. The propagation speed and spatial size of the simulated earthward plasmoid are consistent with observations from the Cluster satellites. Key Points: Earthward plasmoids can be induced by ionospheric O + outflow Ionospheric O + outflow changes the distribution of magnetotail reconnection Simulated earthward plasmoids are consistent with observations