HR: 0800h
AN: SM31B-0415    [Abstracts]
TI: Estimation of the Variation of the Magnetic Field Across the Magnetopause: Model/Data Synthesis
AU: * Chandler, M O
EM: michael.o.chandler@nasa.gov
AF: NASA Marshall Space Flight Center, XD12, 320 Sparkman Dr, Huntsville, AL 35805 United States
AU: Avanov, L A
EM: Levon.Avanov@msfc.nasa.gov
AF: Center for Space Plasma and Aeronomy Research University of Alabama in Huntsville, 320 Sparkman Dr., Huntsville, AL 35805 United States
AB: The determination of the nature of magnetic merging at the dayside magnetopause is dependent on the ability to accurately predict the signatures of the merging process for different theoretical assumptions so that comparisons with observed fields can be made. These predicted signatures must take into account the 4-D nature of the magnetosheath field as it drapes over the magnetopause. In order to do a systematic investigation of the existing data we have begun to develop the capability to calculate the magnetosheath field from upstream solar wind observations and to accurately merge this field with the magnetospheric field. We report results of the expected variation of the merged magnetosheath-magnetosphere magnetic field across the magnetopause for a range of solar wind conditions. The results for different assumptions about the nature of the merging are compared to find observable differences. Comparisons are also made with magnetic field observations from spacecraft crossing of the magnetopause.
DE: 2700 MAGNETOSPHERIC PHYSICS (6939)
SC: SPA-Magnetospheric Physics [SM]
MN: Fall Meeting 2005