Three-dimensional MHD Simulation of the Kelvin-Helmholtz Instability at Dayside Magnetopause

Abstract:

Kelvin-Helmholtz (KH) instability is one of the most important processes for the solar wind-magnetosphere (SW-M) coupling. Recently, several studies show that KH mode may operate near the equatorial plane under both northward and southward IMF conditions. It is also demonstrated that three-dimensional aspects are of critical importance in this process. This presentation will discuss the plasma transport through high latitude double reconnection driven by the nonlinear KH wave under northward IMF conditions, and the nonlinear interaction between the KH mode and magnetic reconnection under southward IMF conditions. We will also discuss the plausible in situ observational signature of the KH mode for different IMF orientations.