Journal article
Solar Wind Discontinuity Interaction with the Bow Shock: Current Density Growth and Dawn-Dusk Asymmetry
Solar physics, v 296(6)
01 Jun 2021
Abstract
The solar wind is filled with various magnetic field fluctuations, and one of the most widespread types of such fluctuations is solar wind discontinuities. They are rapid high-amplitude magnetic field rotations sharing properties of nonlinear Alfven waves and plane plasma slabs. They are believed to play an important role in the interaction of the solar wind with the Earth's magnetosphere. Most studies of solar wind discontinuities are based on observations in pristine solar wind, often by solar wind monitors at L1. However, before interacting with the Earth's magnetosphere, solar wind discontinuities cross the bow shock and can change their properties. In this study, we investigate the transformation of discontinuities due to the bow shock crossing. We compiled a set of 100 high-amplitude (> 3 nT) discontinuities observed by ARTEMIS in the upstream of the bow shock and by THEMIS in the downstream from the bow shock crossing (in the Earth's magnetosheath). Comparison of discontinuity properties in the solar wind and magnetosheath demonstrates discontinuity thinning and current density increase in the magnetosheath. Although all considered solar wind discontinuities mostly resemble rotational discontinuities, in the magnetosheath they start having properties of tangential discontinuities. We reveal a clear dawn-dusk asymmetry of discontinuity properties that are likely related to the asymmetry of the ion foreshock. We discuss how solar wind discontinuity transformation at the bow shock crossing can alter their interaction with the Earth's magnetosphere.
Metrics
Details
- Title
- Solar Wind Discontinuity Interaction with the Bow Shock: Current Density Growth and Dawn-Dusk Asymmetry
- Creators
- Lee Webster - Nyheim Plasma Institute, Drexel University, Camden, USADmitri Vainchtein - Drexel UniversityAnton Artemyev - University of California, Los Angeles
- Publication Details
- Solar physics, v 296(6)
- Publisher
- Springer Nature
- Number of pages
- 20
- Grant note
- NAS5-02099; 80NSSC20K1788 / NASA; National Aeronautics & Space Administration (NASA) 50 OC 0302 / German Ministry for Economy and Technology and the German Center for Aviation and Space (DLR); Helmholtz Association; German Aerospace Centre (DLR)
- Resource Type
- Journal article
- Language
- English
- Academic Unit
- C. and J. Nyheim Plasma Institute
- Web of Science ID
- WOS:000659504100001
- Scopus ID
- 2-s2.0-85107499314
- Other Identifier
- 991019168506404721
InCites Highlights
Data related to this publication, from InCites Benchmarking & Analytics tool:
- Collaboration types
- Domestic collaboration
- International collaboration
- Web of Science research areas
- Astronomy & Astrophysics