X lines in the magnetotail for southward and northward IMF conditions

Abstract

Utilizing associated observations of Geotail and ACE satellites from the year of 1998 to 2005, we investigated the X lines in the near-Earth tail under different interplanetary magnetic field (IMF) conditions. The X lines are recognized by the tailward fast flows with negative Bz. Statistically, the X lines in the tail can be observed for southward as well as northward IMF, but more frequently observed for southward IMF. A typical case on 26 April 2005 showed clear evidence that the X line can occur for northward IMF while the geomagnetic activity is particularly quiet. Further analysis showed that the X line-related solar wind has stronger Ey and Bz components for southward than northward IMF. In addition, the X line-related geomagnetic activities are stronger for southward than northward IMF. Key Points X lines in the tail for southward IMF X lines in the tail for northward IMF X lines related geomagnetic activity for southward and northward IMF