Forming of magnetospheric disturbances by system behaviour of geomagnetic tail

Abstract

– Development of magnetospheric substorm from standpoint of energy evolution in geomagnetic tail is considered. In this approach, geomagnetic tail is taken to be an open thermodynamic system (OTS) with infinite number of conserved energy links to external space environment. General self-consistent theory of energy evolution in OTS was presented earlier. In contrast to existing models of magnetospheric activity, presented model suggests believing that shaping of geomagnetic activity is controlled by the system nature of geomagnetic tail. From this angle, energy profile of disturbance is determined by particular qualities of energy development in OTS. Intercoupling between the system factors of the tail and flow of raw energy from space sources can produce different forms of magnetospheric activity including substorms. As an example, suggested system mechanism is considered for interpretation of the classic energy profile of isolated magnetospheric substorm, comparison with some experimental features of substorm is also provided.