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Fluctuating magnetic fields in the magnetosphere

II. ULF waves

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Abstract

The study of ULF waves in space has been in progress for about 12 years. However, because of numerous observational difficulties the properties of the waves in this frequency band (10-3 to 1 Hz) are poorly known. These difficulties include the nature of satellite orbits, telemetry limitations on magnetometer frequency response and compromises between dynamic range and resolution. Despite the paucity of information, there is increasing recognition of the importance of these measurements in magnetospheric processes. A number of recent theoretical papers point out the roles such waves play in the dynamic behavior of radiation belt particles.

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. The satellite observations are not yet sufficient to determine whether the various bands identified in the ground data are equally appropriate in space.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Dept. of Planetary and Space Science, and Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, Calif., USA

    R. L. McPherron, C. T. Russell & P. J. Coleman Jr.

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  1. R. L. McPherron
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  2. C. T. Russell
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  3. P. J. Coleman Jr.
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Publication No. 982. Institute of Geophysics and Planetary Physics, University of California, Los Angeles, Calif. 90024.

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McPherron, R.L., Russell, C.T. & Coleman, P.J. Fluctuating magnetic fields in the magnetosphere. Space Sci Rev 13, 411–454 (1972). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00219165

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