Fluctuating magnetic fields in the magnetosphere. II - ULF waves.

Abstract

At the present time the existing satellite observations of ULF waves suggest that the level of geomagnetic activity controls the types of waves which occur within the magnetosphere. Consequently, we consider separately quiet times, times of magnetospheric substorms, and times of magnetic storms. Within each of these categories, there are distinctly different wave modes distinguished by their polarization: either transverse or parallel to the ambient field. In addition, these wave phenomena occur in distinct frequency bands. In terms of the standard nomenclature of ground micropulsation studies ULF wave types observed in the magnetosphere include quiet time transverse - Pc 1, Pc 3, Pc 4, Pc 5; quiet time compressional - Pc 1 and Pi 1; substorm compressional Pi 1 and Pi 2; storm transverse - Pc 1; storm compressional Pc 4, 5.