Variability of low‐energy ion flux profiles on interplanetary shock fronts

Abstract

Time‐intensity profiles of 20–126 keV ions across interplanetary shocks are studied using data from ACE and Wind to determine the dependence of the profiles on spacecraft separation. Each pair of time‐intensity profiles is examined to determine whether or not the same features (flat, classic energetic storm particle (ESP) rise, spikes, step functions, or complex patterns) are seen at both spacecraft. The persistence of particle profile patterns has a scale length in the plane of the shock of ∼2.9 Mkm, but the scale length along the shock normal direction is not well determined.