PBI Classification PBI by definition Optical data THEMIS

PBI Classification • PBI by definition • Optical data • THEMIS data • Rocket data

latitude Poleward Boundary Intensification Time (2 hours) • Differences between a substorm and PBI – Substorm has an onset at a latitude equatorward of poleward boundary – PBIs are repeated events – Substorm onset arc has a much shorter residency time Plot from Henderson, 1998

Bursty Bulk Flows These figures from Nakamura et al. (2001) show the spatial relationship between the BBF footpoint and the associated ionospheric auroral signature. During our event, the THEMIS footpoint is within one hour east of the rocket trajectory, which matches this picture. This case study can be used to look at the correlation among flows in the magnetotail, auroral intensifications detected on ground-based instruments, and Alfvén waves on the rocket.

Optics from time of flight UT 11: 04 11: 08 11: 11 11: 14 11: 15 11: 16 time of flight 0 s 240 s 420 s 600 s 660 s 720 s From Zesta, 2002: Equatorward extending -represent modes of energy and momentum transfer from the separatrix toward the earth and through the plasma sheet Non-equatorward extending -represent dynamic structures, such as result from instabilities, along the separatrix without propogation in the plasma sheet

Electrons from PBI at 465 s (equatorward-extending)

Electrons from PBI at 465 s (non-equatorward-extending) • Tall rays • Alfven wave induced electron precipitation