Magnetospheric response and reconfiguration times following IMF By reversals

The interaction between the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) and the geomagnetic field at the dayside magnetopause leads to transfer of momentum and energy which changes the magnetospheric configuration, but only after a certain time. In this study we quantify this time, to advance our understanding of the causes for the delayed response of the magnetosphere. We study the response and reconfiguration time of the inner magnetosphere to IMF By reversals. A superposed epoch analysis of magnetic field measurements from four Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite spacecraft at different local times both for negative to positive IMF By reversals and for positive to negative reversals is presented. The magnetospheric response time at geosynchronous orbit to the sudden change of IMF By is less than 15 (∼10) min from the bow shock (magnetopause) arrival time, while the reconfiguration time is less than 46 (∼41) min. These results are consistent with a By component induced on closed magnetic field lines due to the asymmetric loading of flux following asymmetric dayside reconnection when IMF By≠0. Our results also confirm our earlier studies that nightside reconnection is not required for generating a By component on closed field lines

How the IMF ByInduces a Local ByComponent During Northward IMF Bzand Characteristic Timescales

We use the Lyon-Fedder-Mobarry global magnetohydrodynamics model to study the effects of the interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) B y component on the coupling between the solar wind and magnetosphere-ionosphere system when IMF B z > 0. We describe the evolution of how a magnetospheric B y component is induced on closed field lines during these conditions. Starting from dayside lobe reconnection, the magnetic tension on newly reconnected field lines redistribute the open flux asymmetrically between the two hemispheres. This results in asymmetric magnetic energy density in the lobes. Shear flows are induced to restore equilibrium, and these flows are what effectively induces a local B y component. We show the radial dependence of the induced B y and compare the results to the induced B y during southward IMF conditions. We also show the response and reconfiguration time of the inner magnetosphere to IMF B y reversals during northward IMF B z . A superposed epoch analysis of magnetic field measurements from seven Geostationary Operational Environmental Satellite spacecraft at different local times both for negative-to-positive and positive-to-negative IMF B y reversals is presented. We find that the induced B y responds within 16 min of the arrival of IMF B y at the bow shock, and it completely reconfigures within 47 min