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Observations of Electron Vorticity in the Inner Plasmasheet and Its Relationship to ReconnectionSpatial derivatives of the electron moments can be estimated using data from the four Cluster spacecraft. Using spatial derivatives of the velocity we have computed the vorticity in the plasmasheet for several crossings. What we have found is that vorticity appears to be a common feature in the inner plasmasheet. We will show a number of examples. In at least some of the observations the vorticity is well correlated with the passage of Cluster through the ion diffusion region of known reconnection events. That most of the vorticity events observed are reconnection related cannot be dismissed and in fact observations of vorticity may provide a means to locate times when the Cluster spacecraft are magnetically connected to regions where reconnection is taking place. Understanding the role and source of the vorticity should advance our understanding of the dissipation of the turbulence associated with reconnection. In the course of the presentation we will also touch on the methods used to estimate the spatial derivatives as well as the limitations and assumptions involved.
Document ID
20120002064
Acquisition Source
Goddard Space Flight Center
Document Type
Conference Paper
Authors
Gurgiolo, Chris A. (Bitterroot Basic Research, Inc. Hamilton, MT, United States)
Goldstein, Melvyn L. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Matthaeus, William H. (Delaware Univ. Newark, DE, United States)
Vinas, Adolfo -F. (NASA Goddard Space Flight Center Greenbelt, MD, United States)
Date Acquired
August 25, 2013
Publication Date
December 4, 2011
Subject Category
Astrophysics
Report/Patent Number
SM54A-03
GSFC.ABS.5720.2011
Meeting Information
Meeting: American Geophysical Union (AGU) 2011 Fall Meeting
Location: San Francisco, CA
Country: United States
Start Date: December 5, 2011
End Date: December 9, 2011
Sponsors: American Geophysical Union
Distribution Limits
Public
Copyright
Public Use Permitted.

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