Magnetospheric Mass Density as Determined by ULF Wave Analysis

Abstract

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The technique to estimate the mass density in the magnetosphere using the physical properties of observed magnetohydrodynamic waves is known as magnetoseismology. This technique is important in magnetospheric research given the difficulty of determining the density using particle experiments. This paper presents a review of magnetoseismic studies based on satellite observations of standing Alfvén waves. The data sources for the studies include AMPTE/CCE, CRRES, GOES, Geotail, THEMIS, Van Allen Probes, and Arase. We describe data analysis and density modeling techniques, major results, and remaining issues in magnetoseismic research.

Keywords

• magnetosphere
• mass denisty
• toroidal Alfvén waves
• spacecraft observations
• data analysis techniques
• modeling techniques