Shocklets, SLAMS, and field-aligned ion beams in the terrestrial foreshock

Abstract

We present Wind spacecraft observations of ion distributions showing field-aligned beams (FABs) and large-amplitude magnetic fluctuations composed of a series of shocklets and short large-amplitude magnetic structures (SLAMS). We show that the SLAMS are acting like a local quasi-perpendicular shock reflecting ions to produce the FABs. Previous FAB observations reported the source as the quasi-perpendicular bow shock. The SLAMS exhibit a foot-like magnetic enhancement with a leading magnetosonic whistler train, consistent with previous observations. The FABs are found to have T_b ~ 80-850 eV, V_b/V_sw ~ 1-2, T_{b,perp}/T{b,para} ~ 1-10, and n_b/n_i ~ 0.2-14%. Strong ion and electron heating are observed within the series of shocklets and SLAMS increasing by factors \geq 5 and \geq 3, respectively. Both the core and halo electron components show strong perpendicular heating inside the feature.

11 pages, 3 EPS figures, submitted to Geophysical Research Letters

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