EFFECT OF MAGNETOSPHERIC CONVECTION ON THERMAL PLASMA IN THE INNER MAGNETOSPHERE

The effects of E x B convection on the distribution of plasma paramete rs in the inner magnetosphere have been examined. Analytical solutions describing density distributions along convective trajectories in the equatorial plane have been found. These solutions suggest the followi ng dependence of plasma concentration n on the magnetic field B along convective trajectories: n is-proportional-to B(alpha), where the para meter alpha varies between 4/3 less-than-or-equal-to alpha less-than-o r-equal-to 2. The alpha = 2 case corresponds to disregarding transport parallel to B. The lower bound alpha = 4/3 describes the situation wh en parallel transport dominates over convective motions perpendicular to B. A solution has also been obtained describing the effect of conve ction on diffusive equilibrium profiles in the dayside plasmasphere. I n addition, ion temperature variations due to adiabatic effects associ ated with plasma convection have been analyzed in detail. Convective d rifts lead to ion temperature anisotropies with the value and sign of the anisotropy contingent on density and temperature variations, local time, and the location of the convective trajectory with respect to t he location of the plasmapause. We have also found that convective mot ions lead to a substantial exchange of energy between the ionosphere a nd the plasmasphere through electron heat fluxes.