Extended Energy Conversion and Electron Acceleration Behind Dipolarization Front

• Published in: Journal of geophysical research. Space physics Vol. 129; no. 7
• Main Authors: Xing, X. N., Liu, C. M., Liu, Y. Y., Zhao, B. N.
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: Washington Blackwell Publishing Ltd 01-07-2024
• Subjects: dipolarization front; Electron acceleration; Electrons; Energy conversion; Energy transfer; Energy transport; Knowledge management; Magnetic fields; Magnetotails; Planetary magnetospheres; Plasma jets; Turbulent flow
• ISSN: 2169-9380; 2169-9402
• DOI: 10.1029/2024JA032810

Energy transfer and transport in the terrestrial magnetotails are primarily driven by dipolarization fronts (DFs) embedded inside plasma jets. The DF‐driven energy transfer has hitherto been believed to occur locally at the fronts. Different from the traditional knowledge, here we present the first observation of persistent energy conversion extended far behind a DF. The persistent energy conversion, which was dominated by energy loads and mainly contributed by electron currents, developed inside a turbulent, decaying flux pileup region (FPR), nearly 10 dDF (DF’s thickness) behind the DF. The energy transfer chain may be initiated by interaction between the ion flow and ambient plasmas and closed by electron dynamics, leading to electron acceleration perpendicular to magnetic field. These results highlight that electron physics in turbulent FPRs plays a crucial role in the energy transport in the planetary magnetospheres.
Key Points
Persistent energy conversion extended far (∼10 dDF) behind a dipolarization front is presented
The persistent energy conversion was developed inside a decaying flux pileup region and driven by electron currents
The persistent energy conversion was related to electron acceleration perpendicular to local magnetic field