Cluster observations of reconnection due to the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the dawnside magnetospheric flank

Nykyri, K.; Otto, A.; Lavraud, B.; Mouikis, C.; Kistler, L. M.; Balogh, A.; Rème, H.

doi:https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-24-2619-2006

Articles | Volume 24, issue 10

https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-24-2619-2006

© Author(s) 2006. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

https://doi.org/10.5194/angeo-24-2619-2006

© Author(s) 2006. This work is distributed under
the Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 License.

Articles | Volume 24, issue 10

20 Oct 2006

| 20 Oct 2006

Cluster observations of reconnection due to the Kelvin-Helmholtz instability at the dawnside magnetospheric flank

K. Nykyri, A. Otto, B. Lavraud, C. Mouikis, L. M. Kistler, A. Balogh, and H. Rème

Abstract. On 3 July 2001, the four Cluster satellites traversed along the dawnside magnetospheric flank and observed large variations in all plasma parameters. The estimated magnetopause boundary normals were oscillating in the z-direction and the normal component of the magnetic field showed systematic 2–3 min bipolar variations for 1 h when the IMF had a small positive b_z-component and a Parker-spiral orientation in the x,y-plane. Brief 33 s intervals with excellent deHoffman Teller frames were observed satisfying the Walén relation. Detailed comparisons with 2-D MHD simulations indicate that Cluster encountered rotational discontinuities generated by Kelvin-Helmholtz instability. We estimate a wave length of 6 R_E and a wave vector with a significant z-component.