Magnetohydrodynamic wave mode conversion in the Earth's magnetotail

We study magnetohydrodynamic wave mode conversion as a mechanism contributi ng to the observed low-frequency electromagnetic fluctuation level in the p lasma sheet. Low-frequency waves originating in the magnetosheath can trans port energy across the tail flank magnetopause and through the tail lobes t oward the plasma sheet. In the plasma sheet boundary layer and in the centr al plasma sheet, local conditions permit mode conversion to occur in resona nt sheets. Resonant coupling to both Alfven and slow-mode waves is possible . Energy is fed to the plasma in those resonant sheets, which may help to e xplain the acceleration and heating of particles observed in the plasma she et boundary layer and the central plasma sheet.