We made statistical studies of a large data set of magnetopause crossi
ngs, that were measured aboard many spacecraft. This data was matched
with simultaneous solar wind parameters. We have quantified the magnet
opause response to variations of solar wind dynamic pressures and inte
rplanetary magnetic field intensities and orientation. We concluded th
at location of the subsolar point is a function of solar wind pressure
alone when the z component interplanetary magnetic field (IMF Bz) > -
2 nT but it is a complex function of solar wind dynamic pressure and
IMF Bz when Bz < - 2 nT. Copyright (C) 1996 Elsevier Science Ltd.