Cluster observations of lower hybrid turbulence within thin layers at the magnetopause

We use data from the Cluster satellites to study waves in the frequency range of ∼2–150 Hz at the magnetopause. In addition to broad band wave turbulence we identify lower hybrid drift waves and whistler waves. Wave amplitudes maximize within narrow current sheets that are associated with density gr...

Full description

Saved in:
Bibliographic Details
Published in:Geophysical research letters 2004-02, Vol.31 (3), p.L03804.1-n/a
Main Authors: Vaivads, A., André, M., Buchert, S. C., Wahlund, J.-E., Fazakerley, A. N., Cornilleau-Wehrlin, N.
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
Astrophysics
Cosmology and Extra-Galactic Astrophysics
Earth, ocean, space
Exact sciences and technology
Physics
Sciences of the Universe
Citations: Items that this one cites
Items that cite this one
Online Access:Get full text
Tags: Add Tag
No Tags, Be the first to tag this record!
Description
Summary:We use data from the Cluster satellites to study waves in the frequency range of ∼2–150 Hz at the magnetopause. In addition to broad band wave turbulence we identify lower hybrid drift waves and whistler waves. Wave amplitudes maximize within narrow current sheets that are associated with density gradients and electron beams and that can be the separatrices of the reconnection. The dispersion properties of lower hybrid drift waves are studied using interferometric measurements of electric field. A direct estimate of the wave role in the particle diffusion across the magnetopause shows that their importance is limited only to the narrow current sheet.
ISSN:0094-8276
1944-8007
DOI:10.1029/2003GL018142