Year: 2025
Type: article
Abstract: Dipolarization fronts (DFs) have been widely reported in the Earth's magnetotail and are suggested to play an important role in energy conversion. Magnetic holes (MHs) are also usually observed near DFs, and recent spacecraft observations suggest that they can be excited by interchange instability (ICI). However, whether the MHs near DFs could contribute to energy conversion is still unknown. Here, by using the Magnetospheric Multiscale mission observations, we find a sub‐ion scale MH behind a DF. We present a two‐dimensional illustration of the MH, revealing that such an MH was generated by the ICI. Inside this MH, a significant energy conversion up to ∼2 nW/m3 (higher than typical observations near DFs) is caused by the local electron vortex current inside the MH and the background electric field on the DF. This study improves our understanding of energy injection during substorms and energy conversion near DFs.
Source: Geophysical Research Letters
DOI: 10.1029/2025gl115438
Authors: Z. Y. Xu, H. S. Fu, W. D. Fu, W. Z. Zhang, Z. Wang, Z. Z. Guo, C. X. Du, J. B. Cao
Language: English
Subfield: Astronomy and Astrophysics
Field: Physics and Astronomy
Domain: Physical Sciences
Open Access status: gold
Estimated APC paid: $3,190
Awards: G3191437869, G7499909912
OpenAlex ID: W4409623778