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Nine years has passed since the 1992 second edition of the encyclopedia was published. This completely revised third edition, which is a university and professional level compendium of chemistry, molecular biology, mathematics, and engineering, is refreshed with numerous articles about current research in these fields. For example, the new edition has an increased emphasis on information processing and biotechnology, reflecting the rapid growth of these areas. The continuing Editor-in-Chief, Robert Meyers, and the Board prepared a new topical outline of physical science and technology to define complete coverage. Section editors are either Nobel Laureates or editors of key journals in their fields. Additional Board members representing the global scientific community were also recruited.
E-Book Content
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Encyclopedia of Physical Science and Technology
EN015A-716
August 2, 2001
14:57
Space Plasma Physics Larry Lyons University of California, Los Angeles
I. II. III. IV. V. VI. VII. VIII.
Introduction Basic Concepts Solar Wind and Interplanetary Magnetic Field Solar Wind and Interplanetary Field Interactions with the Geomagnetic Field Particle Access to, and Transport within, the Magnetosphere Auroras and Auroral Currents Geomagnetic Disturbances Conclusions
GLOSSARY Aurora Emissions from the upper atmosphere by constituents that have been excited by the impact of energetic particles from the magnetosphere. Auroral oval The prime region of visible auroral emissions, which consists of approximately circular zones surrounding each geomagnetic pole that are a few degrees in latitude wide and centered near 70◦ geomagnetic latitude. Convection Flow of plasma throughout the magnetosphere that is driven by the solar wind. Geomagnetic latitude Lati