Electric Fields in Earth Orbital Space

A model of the ground state magnetosphere was developed preciously and it is suggested that the basic magnetosphere is formed and maintained simply by the interaction of the solar wind with the geomagnetic field. It is known, however, that the magnetosphere responds dynamically to changes in the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF). Instead of the qualitative reconnection theory (which we believe is basically incorrect), we have examined this response in terms of electromagnetic wave propagation in the interplanetary region. We suggest that the interplanetary plasma (solar wind) is magnetized by solar magnetic sector structure. Electromagnetic waves of higher frequency can propagate through the solar wind without appreciable attenuation. It is the interaction of these disturbance waves with the magnetosphere that causes the observed magnetospheric response to the IMF. The propagation of electromagnetic disturbances in the interplanetary region is examined with their interaction with the magnetosphere. Only certain mode propagate and there are further restrictions on the wave at the magnetopause. Southward and northward disturbances enter the magnetotail and then propagate within the magnetosphere. A magnetic field model is developed that includes propagating waves within the magnetosphere. These models will help us develop a quantitative model of magnetospheric tail dynamics. Keywords: Electromagnetic waves; Electromagnetic plasmas; Magnetosphere; Magnetic fields; Electric fields.