Pi 2 waves simultaneously observed by Cluster and CPMN ground-based magnetometers near the plasmapause

Abstract

We have analyzed an event on 14 February 2003 in which Cluster satellites and the CPMN ground magnetometer chain made simultaneous observations of a Pi 2 pulsation along the same meridian. Three of the four Cluster satellites were located outside the plasmasphere, while the other one was located within the plasmasphere. By combining the multipoint observations in space and the multipoint observations on the ground, we have obtained a detailed L-profile of the Pi 2 signatures, which has not been done in the past. In addition, we have used a method called Independent Component Analysis (ICA) to separate out other superposed waves with similar spectral components. The result shows that the wave phase of the Pi 2 was the same up to L ∼ 3.9 (corresponding to the plasmasphere), became earlier up to L ∼ 4.1 (corresponding to the plasmapause boundary layer), and showed a delaying tendency up to L ∼ 5.9 (corresponding to the plasmatrough). This systematic phase pattern, obtained for the first time by a combination of a ground magnetometer chain and multisatellites along a magnetic meridian with the aid of ICA, supports the interpretation that a Pi 2 signal propagated from a farther source and reached the plasmasphere. © Author(s) 2011.