Plasmasheet magnetic fields in the distant tail

Abstract

Data from two deep passes of ISEE-3 through the earth's magnetotail are used to discuss the evolution of the plasmasheet magnetic field as a function of radial distance and geomagnetic activity (Kp). Attention is focused on plasmasheet intervals lasting at least 10 min as recorded during passes lasting 3 and 5 mos with apogees of 221 and 238 earth radii (ER). The dependencies of the By and Bz components on Kp were minimal, although Bz displayed a radial dependence. No relationship was observed between By and Bz. The Bz component changed from a northward orientation at 60-100 ER to a N-S dependence at 200-238 ER. Variations in field measurements indicated turbulence throughout the plasmasheet, also independent of Kp. The data support formation of a plasmoid during periods of high Kp, and can serve as limiting conditions for developing more accurate magnetotail models.