Quantifying Mass and Magnetic Flux Transport in Saturn's Magnetosphere. Issue 3 (28th March 2019)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Neupane, B. R.; Delamere, P. A.; Wilson, R. J.; Ma, X.
• Is Part Of: Journal of geophysical research. Volume 124:Issue 3(2019)
• Page Start: 1916
• Page End: 1926
• Publication Date: 2019-03-28
• Subjects: radial transport of plasma -- magnetic flux transport -- local time asymmetry in flow; Magnetospheric physics -- Periodicals; Space environment -- Periodicals; Cosmic physics -- Periodicals; Planets -- Atmospheres -- Periodicals; Heliosphere (Astrophysics) -- Periodicals; Geophysics -- Periodicals; 523.01
• DOI: 10.1029/2018JA026022
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 2169-9380

Abstract

Abstract: Radial transport is an important dynamical process in Saturn's internally driven magnetosphere. Radial transport is presumed to occur by a centrifugally driven interchange instability, determined by the gradient of flux tube content and flux tube entropy. Plasma produced in the inner magnetosphere must be transported radially outward. The outward motion of the plasma stretches the magnetic field lines, leading to magnetic reconnection. Reconnection allows the mass to be transported radially while allowing the flux to circulate back to the inner magnetosphere. Both radial transport of mass and magnetic flux in Saturn's magnetosphere have been estimated based on Cassani Plasma Spectrometer data provided by Wilson et al. (2017, https://doi.org/10.1002/2017JA024117 ) and suggesting the radial transport rate of plasma of around 55 kg/s. The net magnetic flux transport should be 0, but the data suggest a net outward magnetic flux transport indicating the existence of different possible transport mechanisms in Saturn's magnetodisc. Key Points: We have calculated the radial transport of plasma mass and magnetic flux in Saturn's magnetosphere using Cassini CAPS and magnetometer data We found radial transport rate of plasma around 55 kg/s and found net deficit in magnetic flux calculation We see dawn‐dusk asymmetry in radial flows