A time dependent three‐dimensional simulation of the Earth's magnetosphere: Reconnection events

Abstract

This paper presents the results of three‐dimensional simulation of the earth's magnetosphere. The simulation region is 100 R E ≤ X ≤ 30 R E , | Y | ≤ 40 R E and | Z | ≤ 40 R E with solar wind parameters B z = −2γ, density of 5 cm −3 and velocity of 400 km s −1 . The results show the existence of multiple x points in the tail. Strong plasma flow is seen to exist in both earthward and tailward directions during formation of neutral lines. The exact magnetic field and plasma behavior is found to be very position dependent.